Alphaville Demands Trump Remove Forever Young From AI Video

German synth-pop band says it opposes the use of its music by the former president.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:51am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, minimalist composition of stark, jagged geometric shapes in shades of blue and white, conceptually representing the tension between music, technology, and politics without using any text or identifiable imagery.The unauthorized use of Alphaville's iconic 'Forever Young' in an AI-generated video posted by former President Trump sparks a creative clash between music, technology, and political ideology.Washington Today

The German synth-pop band Alphaville has demanded that former US President Donald Trump immediately remove an AI-generated video he posted on Truth Social that features the band's hit song 'Forever Young.' In a statement, Alphaville expressed strong ideological opposition to the use of their music for this purpose and said they would take action to ensure the content is deleted.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights the band's stance on the intersection of their artistic work and political messaging, specifically regarding the use of AI-generated imagery and music without permission. It also reflects the broader debate around the ethical use of AI technology, particularly in the context of political discourse and the potential for manipulation.

The details

The video, shared on Trump's Truth Social platform, utilizes artificial intelligence to show animated images of the former president at various ages, including depictions of him as a child. In its statement released on April 15, 2026, Alphaville expressed a strong ideological opposition to the use of their music for this purpose. The band indicated that they would take action to ensure the content is deleted, and they have also issued a broader prohibition against the use of their music by Trump and the Republican Party.

  • The video was posted by former President Trump on April 15, 2026.
  • Alphaville released its statement demanding the removal of the video on the same day, April 15, 2026.

The players

Alphaville

A German synth-pop band formed in Münster during the early 1980s, known for hits like 'Big in Japan' and 'Forever Young.'

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who posted the AI-generated video featuring Alphaville's 'Forever Young' on his Truth Social platform.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As we, the band Alphaville, do not in any way agree with Trump's political views and, in fact, largely abhor them, we will ensure that this post is removed the internet immediately”

— Marian Gold, Lead singer of Alphaville

What’s next

Alphaville has indicated that they will take legal action to ensure the removal of the video from Trump's Truth Social platform and prevent the use of their music by the former president and the Republican Party in the future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between artists, their intellectual property, and the political use of their work without permission. It also raises questions about the ethical boundaries of AI technology and its potential for misuse in political discourse.