Used copyrighted works in government social media without authorization

May 10, 2025

Level

Procedural Bypass

Founders' Principles Violated

Hamilton

Executive power exceeded constitutional limits.

Madison

Checks & balances bypassed. Executive action without Congressional authority.

Washington

Personal ambition overriding institutional stability.

Guardrails Violated

Due Process

Due process protections and procedural requirements bypassed.

Separation of Powers

Separation of powers and constitutional balance between branches violated.

Trigger

Administration used copyrighted music, art, and images without authorization on government social media accounts to promote immigration policy and deportations. Copyright holders protested, but limited legal recourse exists against federal government.

Action Taken

Used copyrighted music, art, and images without authorization on government social media accounts starting May 2025 to promote immigration policy and deportations. Copyright holders protested the unauthorized use, but limited legal recourse exists against federal government. The unauthorized use continued despite protests. Critics argued the use violated copyright law and ethical standards. The practice created concerns about government respect for intellectual property rights.

In His Own Words

"We can use whatever we want for government purposes."

"Copyright doesn't apply to government messaging."

"We need to get our message out."

What's Wrong

Use of copyrighted works without authorization violates copyright law and ethical standards. Government use of copyrighted material requires proper licensing or authorization. The unauthorized use continued despite protests from copyright holders. Critics argued the use violated copyright law.

Impact

Legal: Unauthorized use violates copyright law and intellectual property rights. Ethical: Use without authorization violates ethical standards and respect for property rights. Operational: Copyright holders protested but limited legal recourse. Institutional: Practice raises concerns about government respect for law.

Sources & Full Details

Primary Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Use_of_copyrighted_works_by_the_second_Trump_administration

Background

Administration used copyrighted music, art, and images without authorization on government social media accounts starting May 2025 to promote immigration policy and deportations. Copyright holders protested the unauthorized use, but limited legal recourse exists against federal government. Critics argued the use violated copyright law.

Why Level 2?

Procedural bypass: Unauthorized use of copyrighted works violates copyright law and intellectual property rights. Measurable harm to respect for law and property rights. Practice continued despite protests.