Owner of 'Peanuts' music sues Trump administration for using scores without permission
Source: The Independent
Thursday 21 May 2026 08:20 EDT
The owner of the music used in “Peanuts” television specials has filed lawsuits against several defendants, including the Trump administration, alleging that it illegally used the tunes in social media posts and a game.
Lee Mendelson Film Productions, which owns the copyright to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and other shows, filed the suits in federal courts in New York and Washington, D.C. Wednesday.
One lawsuit argues the Interior Department did not have permission to use pianist Vince Guaraldi's arrangement of "O Tannenbaum" from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" in a digital holiday card posted to social media. The Independent has contacted the Interior Department for comment on the lawsuit.
Lee Mendelson Film Productions, which is based in California, was founded by and is named for the producer who collaborated with “Peanuts” creator Charles Schulz and director Bill Melendez to create the TV specials based on Schulz’s iconic comic strip. This began starting with “A Charlie Brown Christmas” in 1965.
Read more: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/peanuts-music-trump-administration-lawsuit-b2981141.html
= new reply since forum marked as read
But I also have what is cute and hilarious (but for charity) are the vinyls of "A Philly Special Christmas", done by 3 Eagles - Lane Johnson, Jordon Mailata, and Jason Kelce -
(they recorded 2 more that I bought)
Kick in to the DU tip jar?
This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.
As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.