Report: Beyoncé gave Kamala Harris permission to use her song “Freedom” for the US presidential election campaign

A day after US President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris was on the campaign trail. On Monday, she made her first public appearance since Joe endorsed her candidacy, marching onstage to Beyonce’s “Freedom.” According to a report from CNN, Kamala’s team received approval from Beyonce’s representatives to use the song throughout her presidential campaign. Also read: Beyoncé is the undisputed number one on the Renaissance World Tour

“Beyonce quickly gave Kamala her approval”

According to the report, Beyoncé, who is known for adhering to strict release guidelines for her music, “immediately gave her consent when Kamala’s campaign asked for permission to use ‘Freedom on Monday’ – just hours before she took the stage to perform the song, a source told the media outlet.

As Kamala left her campaign headquarters on Monday night, she heard the following lines: “Freedom, freedom / Where are you? / ‘Cause I need freedom too / I break chains all alone / I won’t let my freedom rot in hell / Hey! I keep running / ‘Cause a winner don’t quit.”

Although Beyoncé has not officially endorsed Kamala Harris since Joe Biden announced he would not seek a second term, the permission to use Freedom as a campaign song suggests that the politician enjoys the singer’s support. Neither the Kamala campaign team nor a representative for Beyoncé, who has supported Democratic candidates in the past, have yet to officially comment on the matter.

Beyonce’s mother supports Kamala Harris

However, Beyonce’s mother, Tina Knowles, came out in support of Kamala on Sunday, shortly after Joe’s announcement. “New, youthful, sharp energy!!!!” she posted on Instagram with a photo of herself next to Kamala. She added, “Putting aside personal ego, power and fame. That is the definition of a great leader. Thank you President Biden for your service and leadership. Go Vice President Kamala Harris, to the President. Let’s go.”

Beyonce’s history with the Democrats

In 2013, she sang the US national anthem at President Barack Obama’s inauguration. In 2016, Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z headlined a primary concert for Hillary Clinton in Cleveland, Ohio. “I want my daughter to grow up and see a woman leading our country and to know that her possibilities are limitless,” Beyoncé said at the time. “And that’s why I’m by her side.” In 2020, Beyoncé supported Joe Biden-Kamala Harris.