Nancy Sinatra has publicly condemned former President Donald Trump for using her late father Frank Sinatra’s iconic song “My Way”. The controversy erupted after Trump shared a video of Frank performing the classic hit during a 1974 concert at Madison Square Garden on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
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In her response on social media, Nancy, who is now 85 years old, referred to Trump’s use of the song as “sacrilege.” The criticism came after a Twitter user had tagged her in a post, suggesting that Trump’s political stance clashed with the values her father represented, particularly his support for equality and the Civil Rights movement. This prompted Nancy to voice her disapproval in a post on X, where she emphasised the song’s significance to her father’s legacy.
“My Way,” which was penned by Canadian songwriter Paul Anka, is a reimagining of the French song “Comme d’habitude.” Originally intended as Frank Sinatra’s swan song ahead of his retirement, the song’s enormous success ultimately led him to reconsider his plans to step back from performing. Since its release in 1969, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, the Sex Pistols, and many others.
Nancy’s frustration extended further when another user inquired if there was any action she could take to prevent Trump from using her father’s music. She replied, “Unfortunately no. The only people who can do something are the publishers,” indicating that the rights to the song are held by the companies Because Music and Primary Wave. This underlines the complexities involved in the music industry, where even the original artists may have limited power over the usage of their work.
In a follow-up post, Nancy shared a fan’s comment that read, “Trump may love Sinatra, but Sinatra did not love Trump.” This sentiment is part of a broader trend in which several musicians have publicly expressed their discontent over Trump’s use of their music during his political rallies and campaigns.
Nancy Sinatra’s disapproval of Trump’s actions is not new. She has been an outspoken critic of him for years, previously describing Trump as “insane” and a “danger to America and the world” in posts on social media. Her latest comments are reflective of a growing narrative among artists who feel frustrated with the unlicensed use of their music, with many expressing similar sentiments in recent years.
This incident is part of a wider pattern, as other artists have also chimed in with complaints regarding Trump’s utilisation of their songs without permission. High-profile figures in the music industry, such as Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo, and others, have issued statements rejecting his use of their works. Some have even taken legal action or threatened to do so, illustrating the contentious relationship between Trump and the creative community.
As the backlash continues, it remains to be seen whether artists will succeed in reclaiming control over their work. In the case of “My Way,” Frank Sinatra’s music has transcended generations, making it all the more significant in discussions about legacy and the values these artists embody. Nancy Sinatra’s stance serves as a potent reminder that the impact of music goes beyond entertainment, tapping into deeper cultural and political conversations.
In the wake of these developments, it is clear that the intersection of politics and music continues to be a hotly debated topic. The artistic legacy of figures like Frank Sinatra may evoke admiration across the political spectrum, yet the implications of its usage by political figures require careful consideration. People from the music industry and their fans alike will be watching closely how this situation unfolds and what future ramifications it might hold for artist rights and political endorsements in the world of music.