The Soundtrack of Donald Trump

The Run-Up

The New York Times

News Commentary, Politics, News

4.4 • 2K Ratings

🗓️ 18 July 2024

⏱️ 37 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” has become former President Donald J. Trump’s unofficial theme music on the campaign trail. Here at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, the song was performed live by none other than Mr. Greenwood himself, as Mr. Trump walked into the arena on Monday. The anthem, released in 1984, is essentially a song about togetherness and the diversity of the United States. And it’s now become tied to a candidate who has often represented division and chaos. As Mr. Trump is set to deliver the culminating address at the convention today with a newfound message of unity, we explore that message — through the song that has become his soundtrack. We talk to Republicans, including Mr. Greenwood, about what defines American values and whether those values are reflected in the candidacy of Mr. Trump. On today’s episode: Lee Greenwood, country music star

Transcript

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0:00.0	Political conventions are basically a campaign commercial.
0:05.0	Themes are carefully selected.
0:07.0	Speeches are tightly scripted.
0:09.0	And there are a few moments throughout the week that feel natural or unexpected, which is what made this moment
0:16.2	on Monday so distinct. the United States and soon to be the 47th President of the United States.
0:25.0	Please welcome Donald J. Trump.
0:28.0	Donald Trump, just days after surviving an assassination attempt, made his first public
0:36.8	appearance after the shooting at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, somber and clearly emotional,
0:45.0	Trump emerged with a bandage over his right ear
0:48.0	and pumped his fist in the air.
0:50.0	And playing behind him was Lee Greenwoods, God bless the USA,
0:55.0	Donald Trump's unofficial theme music on the campaign trail and here at the
1:01.2	convention. The song was performed live as Trump walked out,
1:05.0	by none other than Lee Greenwood himself. God bless the US.
1:15.0	the USA. Mr. Mr President. As I focused on him walking, he was,
1:33.0	U.S.S.S.S.S.S.
1:36.0	U.S.S.S.
1:40.0	As I focused on him walking up the stairs he turned and looked at me and I got eye contact for just a second.
1:45.1	He and I both understood the power of the moment.
1:49.0	We talked to Greenwood, and he said that moment felt distinct to him too.
1:53.0	I have saying, God bless he was say for 40 years.
1:56.0	It is the closer of every one of my concerts, no matter where I go.
	...

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