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Fact check: Did Trump personally choose Fortunate Son for the parade?

Checked on June 22, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, there is no direct evidence that Trump personally chose "Fortunate Son" for the parade. The sources confirm that the song was indeed played during a military parade event [1] [2], but none provide concrete evidence of Trump's personal involvement in the music selection process.

The analyses reveal that "Fortunate Son" was played despite its author John Fogerty previously speaking out against its use during Trump's 2020 presidential campaign [1]. One source notes that Fogerty had previously received a cease-and-desist notice from Trump regarding the song's use in 2020 [1].

The question of who actually selected the music remains unanswered by the available sources, with one analysis speculating about whether the selection was "a deliberate protest by the military or a mistake by Trump's team" [2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses present multiple theories about how "Fortunate Son" ended up in the parade playlist without definitively answering the original question:

  • Military personnel may have deliberately chosen the song as a form of protest, given its anti-war and anti-privilege themes [2]
  • It could have been an oversight or mistake by Trump's team, who may not have fully considered the song's meaning in relation to Trump's background [2]
  • The selection process for parade music may involve multiple parties beyond Trump's direct control

The sources also reveal a broader pattern of musicians opposing Trump's use of their music [3], suggesting this incident fits into a larger context of unauthorized or controversial music usage at Trump events.

Missing from the analyses is information about:

  • The actual decision-making process for parade music selection
  • Whether Trump's team, military officials, or event planners typically choose such music
  • Any official statements from Trump's representatives about the song choice

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question assumes Trump's personal involvement without establishing this as fact. This assumption could be misleading because:

  • No source provides evidence of Trump's direct participation in selecting "Fortunate Son" for the parade
  • The question implies a level of personal control over music selection that may not reflect how such events are actually organized
  • It overlooks alternative explanations for how the song ended up being played, including potential military involvement or staff decisions [2]

The framing of the question may inadvertently spread the assumption that Trump was personally responsible for a music choice that could have been made by various other parties involved in parade planning and execution.

Want to dive deeper?
What was the significance of Fortunate Son at Trump's parade?
Who selects the music for presidential inauguration parades?
Did Trump personally choose the music for his inauguration parade?
What other songs were played during Trump's inauguration parade?
How did the public react to Trump's inauguration parade music?