Current:Home > reviewsJack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song -×
Jack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song
View
Date:2025-04-13 08:58:11
Another musician is objecting to the Trump campaign's use of their work.
Jack White on Thursday threatened legal action against former President Donald Trump's team after the deputy director of communications for his 2024 presidential campaign allegedly posted a video of Trump boarding a plane to the tune of The White Stripes' iconic 2003 track "Seven Nation Army." The video, which White posted a screen recording of on Instagram, appears to have been taken down.
"President @realDonaldTrump departs for Michigan and Wisconsin!" Margo Martin's X post read, per White's screen recording.
"Oh....Don't even think about using my music you fascists," White wrote in the caption of his post. "Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others.) Have a great day at work today Margo Martin."
White also castigated Trump for an altercation between a public affairs official and members of the Trump campaign at Arlington National Cemetery yesterday. Though federal law states political activities are not permitted on cemetery grounds, Trump's team was reportedly photographing and filming at the site.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
He called out the Republican presidential candidate "for insulting our nation's veterans at Arlington you scum. You should lose every military family's vote immediately from that if ANYTHING makes sense anymore."
USA TODAY reached out to the Trump campaign and White's reps for comment.
Who's spoken out?Trump keeps dancing as artists get outraged over use of their songs
Céline Dion, Foo Fighters have also spoken out against Trump campaign
The former White Stripes frontman is the latest in a string of artists who have distanced themselves from Trump's presidential run after his campaign used their music in rallies and videos.
Céline Dion ("My Heart Will Go On"), Foo Fighters ("My Hero"), the estate of Sinéad O'Connor ("Nothing Compares 2 U") and the family of songwriter Isaac Hayes (Sam & Dave's "Hold On, I'm Comin'") are among those who have denounced the use of their work.
Some, but not all, have threatened legal action.
After the Trump campaign played "Hold On, I'm Comin'" at rallies, Hayes' son, Isaac Hayes III, filed a copyright infringement notice, which was issued to Trump and demanded a payment of $3 million in licensing fees.
"Donald Trump epitomizes a lack of integrity and class, not only through his continuous use of my father's music without permission but also through his history of sexual abuse against women and his racist rhetoric," Hayes III wrote on Instagram. "This behavior will no longer be tolerated, and we will take swift action to put an end to it."
The Hayes family's lawyer claims Trump "willfully and brazenly" committed copyright infringement and has continued to use the song "despite being asked repeatedly not to engage in such illegal use" by the family.
After "My Hero" was played at Trump's Arizona rally with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. last week, a representative for the Foo Fighters told USA TODAY the band was not asked for permission, and if they were it would not have been granted. The rock band vowed to donate "any royalties received as a result of this use will be donated" to Democratic candidate Kamala Harris' presidential campaign.
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman
veryGood! (7)
Related
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- NFL Week 11 picks straight up and against spread: Will Bills hand Chiefs first loss of season?
- Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue and Billy Porter to perform at Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
- FBI raids New York City apartment of Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan, reports say
- Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
- Who will save Florida athletics? Gators need fixing, and it doesn't stop at Billy Napier
- Medical King recalls 222,000 adult bed assistance rails after one reported death
- How Kim Kardashian Navigates “Uncomfortable” Situations With Her 4 Kids
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- How Kim Kardashian Navigates “Uncomfortable” Situations With Her 4 Kids
Ranking
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Black, red or dead: How Omaha became a hub for black squirrel scholarship
- In an AP interview, the next Los Angeles DA says he’ll go after low-level nonviolent crimes
- Mother of Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym Details His Final Moments
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Mechanic dies after being 'trapped' under Amazon delivery van at Florida-based center
- How Kim Kardashian Navigates “Uncomfortable” Situations With Her 4 Kids
- New York races to revive Manhattan tolls intended to fight traffic before Trump can block them
Recommendation
2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
Dick Van Dyke says he 'fortunately' won't be around for Trump's second presidency
Burger King's 'Million Dollar Whopper' finalists: How to try and vote on your favorite
2 striking teacher unions in Massachusetts face growing fines for refusing to return to classroom
Could your smelly farts help science?
Bridgerton's Luke Newton Details His Physical Transformation for Season 3's Leading Role
Jimmy Kimmel, more late-night hosts 'shocked' by Trump Cabinet picks: 'Goblins and weirdos'
Will Aaron Rodgers retire? Jets QB tells reporters he plans to play in 2025