BALTIMORE—Threatening significant legal consequences if the campaign failed to heed its warnings, the Francis Scott Key estate sent a cease-and-desist letter to Donald Trump on Friday that demanded he discontinue use of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at his rallies. “This unauthorized political usage is in clear violation of what Francis stood for and everything his song means,” wrote Kara Winstone-Key, great-great-great-great-great-great granddaughter of the lyricist, poet, and lawyer, casting doubt on whether the former president even knew the meaning of broad stripes and bright stars gallantly waving o’er ramparts. “We’re asking Mr. Trump’s campaign to immediately halt this inappropriate use of our ancestor’s masterwork. Frankly, we did not grant Ms. Harris license to use this song either, nor has the White House ever reached out to broker a deal that would sanction its lengthy history of using ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ to suit its own purposes. This is our final request. If Mr. Trump does not take immediate action, we will see him in court.” The estate went on to warn that it had already been awarded millions from MLB for the sports league’s centuries-long exploitation of the anthem.
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