Trump-Inspired Song ‘Fighter’ Tops iTunes Amid Chart Controversy

A newly released song, “Fighter,” written about former President Donald Trump has skyrocketed to No. 1 on the iTunes chart, gaining significant attention across conservative media outlets like Fox News and promotion from Trump himself. The song, however, has generated some controversy as Trump’s recent claim that it is the top song “across all charts” has been proven false. Despite its success on iTunes, the song does not appear on Apple Music’s Top 100 or Spotify’s Top 50 charts, both of which measure popularity based on streaming metrics rather than direct sales.

The song “Fighter,” written by Jon Kahn and co-authored by Nashville songwriter Chris Wallin, is a ballad inspired by Trump’s perseverance through political and personal battles. The lyrics highlight themes of resilience and endurance, with lines like “I’ve been down/Counted out/Smiling through the taste of blood” and “No one can say that I’m a run and hider/I was born to be a do or die-er.” Since its release on Wednesday, the song has not only topped the iTunes charts but also climbed to the top of the pop category. Kahn, who is also an occasional contributor to the right-wing news site Breitbart, has previously expressed admiration for Trump’s ability to face adversity. He told Breitbart that he has “always wondered how Trump gets out of bed every day given everything that’s been thrown at him and his family.”

In the song’s promotion, Kahn said he drew inspiration from Trump’s response to two impeachment trials, his removal from social media platforms, legal battles, and what he describes as two assassination attempts. The song conveys a message of fighting back against what Trump and his supporters view as coordinated political attacks. The song’s release is part of a broader narrative that Trump and his allies have been pushing: that the former president is a victim of unfair political persecution.

On Friday, Trump posted the music video for “Fighter” on his social media channels, which features footage from his campaign rallies and clips from a campaign event in July, during which a protester threw a punch at Trump, striking him in the ear. In his post, Trump wrote, “This is now the Number One song, across all charts, about me. Such an unexpected honor!” However, a closer look at the streaming and sales data reveals that the song has not achieved such widespread dominance. While it has reached No. 1 in iTunes downloads, the song is absent from major streaming platforms’ top charts, suggesting its popularity is more concentrated within iTunes’ purchase-based ranking system.

Fox News also played a significant role in promoting the song. On Thursday evening, as “Fighter” began to gain momentum, Greg Gutfeld, a Fox News host, told his audience that the song was “all over the place” and urged them to “listen to it. Make it stay No. 1.” This endorsement helped bring more attention to the song, particularly among Trump’s core supporters who view him as a symbol of resilience against what they perceive to be relentless political attacks. The music video for the song had amassed 269,000 views on YouTube as of midday Friday, indicating a steady rise in interest and engagement.

Jon Kahn, the songwriter behind “Fighter,” shared his thoughts on the song’s creation, telling Breitbart, “If he can take a bullet, I can write a song.” Kahn’s reference to a “bullet” alludes to Trump’s resilience despite physical and metaphorical attacks. Kahn’s focus on the former president’s ability to withstand pressure reflects a broader narrative in conservative circles that positions Trump as a fighter for the American people. For Trump supporters, the song reinforces a sense of shared struggle against what they view as the unjust actions of the political establishment and mainstream media.

The song’s popularity comes at a time when Trump’s messaging of being a victim of political persecution has resonated strongly with his base. Over the past year, Trump has continually framed his legal troubles and political challenges as part of a broader effort to destroy him. He and his allies have repeatedly claimed that the charges and investigations he faces are politically motivated, rather than based on legitimate wrongdoing. When Trump was impeached for inciting the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, he denied any responsibility and positioned himself as a victim of political bias. Similarly, when he was removed from Twitter in 2021 for violating the platform’s policies, Trump and his supporters claimed it was part of a larger effort to silence conservative voices.

Trump’s claims of persecution extend beyond his social media ban and impeachment. He has also portrayed his legal battles as politically motivated. For instance, after being indicted on felony counts related to the mishandling of classified documents, Trump alleged that President Joe Biden was behind the charges, calling it “the most evil and heinous abuse of power in the history of our country.” In another instance, when he was convicted of falsifying business records in a hush money case, Trump described the verdict as “rigged” and his supporters denounced it as evidence of corruption in the legal system. The song “Fighter” echoes these sentiments, positioning Trump as someone who refuses to back down in the face of adversity.

As “Fighter” continues to circulate, it taps into the prevailing themes that have defined Trump’s post-presidency era: defiance, victimhood, and a belief in resilience. For his supporters, the song is a powerful anthem that aligns with their view of Trump as a fighter who remains undeterred by the challenges he faces. While the song may not dominate every music chart, its success on iTunes and the attention it has garnered underscores Trump’s lasting influence in American politics and popular culture.