Em’s controversial lyrics cited as a defense for Trump’s speech on Capitol riot day
Donald Trump’s legal team is invoking an unlikely reference in their attempt to dismiss a lawsuit related to the January 6 Capitol riot: Eminem. In a filing submitted on January 27, Trump’s lawyers argue that his speech on the day of the riot is protected as political expression, much like controversial rap lyrics. They specifically referenced Eminem’s violent lyrics, including those from the song “’97 Bonnie & Clyde”, to support their defense, Allhiphop reported.
The lawsuit, filed by Rep. Bennie Thompson in 2021, accuses Trump and far-right groups of conspiring to obstruct Congress’s certification of the 2020 election results. Trump’s team lost an initial dismissal attempt and is now appealing, claiming that his speech, which called for a “peaceful and patriotic” protest, does not meet the legal threshold for incitement.
In their defense, Trump’s lawyers compared his rhetoric to that of Eminem, noting that while the rapper’s lyrics often describe violent acts, courts have protected such expression as part of artistic freedom. They further argue that Trump’s speech falls under the same legal protections for political protests and should not be considered incitement.
A judge has yet to make a ruling on the case.
Meanwhile, Eminem, a vocal critic of Trump, made headlines during the 2024 election when he appeared at Kamala Harris’ rally in Detroit, expressing support for freedom of speech and a future where such freedoms are protected.