In a surprising legal move, the lawyers of President Donald Trump referred to rapper Eminem in a file aimed at rejecting a complaint related to the events of January 6, 2021.
According to a report of AllHipHop Published on Monday, January 27, Trump’s legal team used an analogy with rap to counter accusations that he incited the Capitol riot.
The complaint, filed by Representative Bennie Thompson shortly after the events, accuses Trump, along with groups such as the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, of conspiring to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election results by Congress. Thompson is based on the Ku Klux Klan Act, a law from the Reconstruction era designed to combat conspiracies that obstruct federal public servants.
After a first attempt to dismiss the complaint failed, Trump appealed, arguing that his speech on January 6 was a political expression protected by the First Amendment. His lawyers compared his words to rap lyrics, citing Supreme Court decisions where violent language was seen as a form of artistic expression rather than an incitement to violence.
Without explicitly naming Eminem, the Trump team referred to his song ''97 Bonnie & Clyde'', which explicitly describes violent acts. They said :
“A rapper hits the top of the charts with aggressive and provocative lyrics that become extremely popular across the country, especially among teens. He is considered one of the most controversial lyricists of all time. Many of his texts describe explicit violence, including armed violence, rape, and even a scene where he drowns his wife. While some of her words suggest that her work does not encourage real violence, others suggest the opposite.”
Trump’s lawyers also pointed out that the former president had called for his supporters to demonstrate “peacefully and patriotically,” which they said contradicted the charges of incitement to violence. They added:
« Nothing in President Trump’s speech even comes close to the much more inflammatory language that the Supreme Court has ruled is protected by law. »
The judge has not yet rendered a decision, as the case is still pending.
Freedom of expression advocate Eminem supports Kamala Harris
Ironically, Eminem, known for his criticism of Trump, recently made a rare appearance at a Detroit rally for the 2024 election campaign. The rapper briefly spoke in defense of freedom of expression, saying :
« People should not be afraid to express their opinions, and I don’t think anyone wants an America where people fear reprisals or what could happen if they make their views known. »
He also expressed his support for Vice-President Harris, stating :
« I believe Vice President Harris is supporting a future for this country where these freedoms, and many more, will be protected and respected. »
Rap, between contestation and evolution
It is important to remember that rap, in its origins, was a means of protest and demand, used to denounce social injustices, inequalities and discrimination. Artists like Public Enemy, N.W.A. and Tupac Shakur have made a difference in the history of the genre by addressing political and social themes, making rap a powerful voice for marginalized communities.
However, over time, some of the rap has moved away from this factionalistic dimension to focus on more commercial or personal themes. The use of rap lyrics in a legal context, as in the case of Trump, raises questions about how this form of expression is interpreted and instrumentalized.
This case once again illustrates the complex relationship between politics, popular culture and freedom of expression. It also reminds us of the importance of understanding the origins and evolution of rap, a genre that remains deeply rooted in the history of social struggles.
Case to follow.