The White Stripes Take Legal Action Against Trump Over Unauthorized Song Use

The White Stripes Take Legal Action Against Trump Over Unauthorized Song Use

The White Stripes Take Legal Action Against Trump Over Unauthorized Song Use

In a notable legal clash, the White Stripes have sued former President Donald Trump for what they describe as a "flagrant misappropriation" of their iconic hit, "Seven Nation Army." The rock duo, consisting of Jack White and Meg White, filed the lawsuit in New York, accusing Trump's campaign of using their music without authorization in a promotional video.

The controversy began when a video surfaced online, posted by Trump's campaign staffer Margo McAtee Martin on August 29, 2024. This video featured the unmistakable riff of "Seven Nation Army" playing in the background as Trump was seen boarding a plane. The video has since been removed, but the damage, according to the White Stripes, was done. In a pointed Instagram post, Jack White made his stance clear with a caption reading: "Don’t even think about using my music you fascists. Lawsuit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others)."

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True to his word, White, along with Meg White, has taken legal action. Their lawsuit, which seeks "significant monetary damages," targets Trump, his campaign, and Martin, alleging that they used the song without the band's permission. This lawsuit underscores a broader pattern of disputes between Trump and various artists regarding the unauthorized use of their music. The White Stripes argue that Trump's campaign not only failed to seek permission but also ignored attempts by the band to resolve the issue before litigation.

This legal move places the White Stripes alongside a growing roster of musicians who have taken similar actions against Trump. In past years, artists like Neil Young, Beyoncé, and the Foo Fighters have expressed disapproval of their music being used in Trump’s rallies and campaign materials. The White Stripes’ lawsuit reflects their strong opposition to Trump's policies and actions, both during his presidency and in his current campaign.

The case also highlights a continuing issue with Trump’s campaign, which has faced multiple legal challenges from musicians. For instance, the estate of Isaac Hayes and British-Guyanese musician Eddy Grant have previously sued Trump for similar issues. Last month, Universal Music also issued a legal notice over the unauthorized use of ABBA's music. These disputes collectively paint a picture of a contentious relationship between Trump’s campaign and the music industry.

"Seven Nation Army," released in 2003, has achieved worldwide recognition and has become a staple at sports events and public gatherings. The song’s unmistakable riff has made it a cultural touchstone, adding weight to the White Stripes' claim that its use in Trump's campaign video was both inappropriate and damaging.

As this legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact Trump’s campaign and the broader issue of music rights in political advertising. For now, the White Stripes’ lawsuit serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between art, politics, and legal rights.

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