Nancy Sinatra Denounces Trump's Use of Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' Performance
Nancy Sinatra, the eldest daughter of the iconic late singer Frank Sinatra, has publicly condemned former President Donald Trump for his use of her father's music. Over the weekend, Trump shared a clip on his Truth Social platform featuring Frank Sinatra's 1978 live performance of the classic ballad "My Way" at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.
A Swift and Strong Reaction
A screenshot of Trump's post circulated widely on X, formerly known as Twitter, prompting one user to tag Nancy Sinatra with a warning: "Omg, @NancySinatra will not be happy about this. Trump goes against everything that Frank stood for. He was a big champion for equality and supported the Civil Rights movement." Nancy, 85, responded emphatically, stating, "This is a sacrilege."
When another user inquired about potential legal action against Trump, the singer of "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" clarified, "Unfortunately no. The only people who can do something are the publishers." This highlights the complexities of music copyright and licensing in political contexts.
Historical Context of Frank Sinatra's Views
Nancy Sinatra has been vocal about her father's alleged disdain for Donald Trump. She is one of three children from Frank Sinatra's marriage to his first wife, Nancy Barbato, which lasted from 1939 to 1951. Their other children include son Frank Jr., who passed away in 2016, and daughter Tina, 77. Frank Sinatra died in 1998 at the age of 82.
According to Nancy, the "Fly Me to the Moon" singer "loathed" Trump. In December, she responded to a video on X showing ICE officers allegedly harassing Latino construction workers, writing, "This is not my father's America. He would be devastated. Trump is so wrong in so many ways." When a commenter suggested, "Your Dad would have loved Trump," Nancy retorted, "Do some homework before you make a fool of yourself. My dad LOATHED Trump."
Past Incidents and Public Statements
This is not the first time Nancy Sinatra has addressed Trump's connection to her father's legacy. In 2017, amid reports that "My Way" might be played at Trump's inauguration, she reminded fans on X, "Just remember the first line of the song." The song famously opens with, "And now, the end is near," a line some interpreted as a subtle critique.
Despite her criticisms, Nancy has shown moments of diplomacy. She once wished Trump well, saying, "I don't believe anyone tries to be a bad president." However, in 2020, when Trump paid tribute to Frank Sinatra in a speech and suggested including him in a planned monument to American heroes, Frank's third wife, actress and activist Mia Farrow, tweeted, "Frank Sinatra would have loathed Donald Trump." Nancy confirmed this sentiment, adding, "He actually did loathe him."
Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes
Further evidence of Frank Sinatra's animosity toward Trump comes from Eliot Weisman, Frank's former manager. In his 2017 memoir, The Way It Was: My Life with Frank Sinatra, Weisman claimed that the "Somethin' Stupid" baritone once told Trump to "go f*** himself" after a dispute over financial demands. This anecdote underscores the personal friction between the two figures.
Nancy Sinatra's consistent messaging reinforces her father's legacy as a supporter of civil rights and equality, contrasting sharply with Trump's political persona. Her public statements serve as a reminder of the ongoing cultural and political divides that music can symbolize.
