The White Stripes are suing Donald Trump for the unauthorized use of their song “Seven Nation Army” in a campaign video.
At a Glance
- The White Stripes are suing Donald Trump and his campaign for using their song “Seven Nation Army” in a video.
- Both Jack White and Meg White signed the lawsuit, which was filed in the Southern District of New York.
- Jack White publicly condemned the use of the song on Instagram and announced the lawsuit.
- The band claims the Trump campaign ignored attempts to resolve the issue before the lawsuit.
- Trump previously used the song during his 2016 campaign, which also angered the band.
Legal Challenge Filed
The White Stripes have taken legal action against Donald Trump for the unauthorized use of their iconic song, “Seven Nation Army,” in a campaign video. The lawsuit, filed in New York’s Southern District, accuses Trump and his campaign of violating federal copyright laws to enhance his public image and attract campaign donations. Both Jack and Meg White have signed the lawsuit, underscoring the band’s united stance.
The dispute began when a video featuring Trump boarding a jet with the song’s bass line in the background was posted by one of his staffers. The video quickly garnered over 65,000 views and was reposted more than 700 times.
Jack White himself condemned the use of the song on Instagram, stating, “Oh…Don’t even think about using my music you fascists. Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others.)”
Both Jack and Meg have expressed their disgust over the campaign’s actions.
This isn’t the first time Trump has been sued for simply using music at one of his rallies. Over the years, many artists, including The Rolling Stones, Celine Dion, Beyoncé, and Neil Young, have taken legal action against Trump for using their music without authorization. In a similar case, Isaac Hayes’ estate successfully obtained an emergency injunction to stop the unauthorized use of their song “Hold On, I’m Coming.”
The White Stripes are seeking significant monetary damages, arguing that the Trump campaign’s use of their song constitutes a “flagrant misappropriation” of their intellectual property. Their lawyers also aim to determine the financial contributions linked to the infringing videos.
Not only is this not the first time Trump has been sued by an artist, it’s not the first time that the White Stripes have opposed his use of their music. “Seven Nation Army” was also used during Trump’s 2016 campaign, which similarly angered the band. Jack White had previously promised to take legal action, showing a consistent stance against the use of their music in political campaigns they do not support.
The White Stripes, a prominent garage rock band from the early 2000s, are known for their minimalist style and definitive color aesthetic. They split up in 2011 to preserve the legacy of their music, which included the globally recognized “Seven Nation Army.” The band’s lawyers argued that this latest unauthorized use not only violates copyright laws but also damages the band’s reputation and legacy.
Hmmm, well at least I’ve heard of Donald Trump.
Give it a rest. If Trump paid the license fee, you have no grounds for suit.
The White Stripes – sounds like a racist name for a group, like white supremacist group….
These bands all sell their music to a service that sells licenses for the use of the music, if they don’t want there music played then stop selling the rights to their music to companies that sell licenses to use the music. So tired of these cry baby liberals. I have never even heard of this group so their music can’t be that popular or good.
Is this the band that has a kazoo player?
White Stripes are busy suing Trump when they should be looking for a real drummer. She is horribly late on almost every beat.
That said, there’s nothing more irritating than entertainers who think they should be political.