Adam Vary
Updated on: October 10, 2024 1:09 am GMT
The White Stripes Take Legal Action Against Trump Over Song Misuse
Jack White and Meg White, the dynamic duo behind The White Stripes, have filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, accusing him of “flagrant misappropriation” of their iconic song “Seven Nation Army.” The legal action, which may further complicate Trump’s ongoing controversies, comes hot on the heels of a recent campaign video that featured the track without the band’s permission.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Manhattan and contends that Trump, his campaign, and Deputy Director of Communications Margo McAtee Martin failed to obtain authorization for the use of “Seven Nation Army.” According to the band, the video, originally posted on August 29, 2023, depicted Trump boarding a plane while their famous riff plays in the background. Although the video has since been deleted, the repercussions are now materializing in the form of legal action.
In his Instagram post announcing the lawsuit, Jack White made his intentions crystal clear: “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).” The lawsuit not only seeks significant monetary damages but underscores the duo’s strong opposition to Trump’s political agenda and past actions during his presidency.
Background of the Dispute
This isn’t an isolated incident. The White Stripes are among a growing list of artists who have publicly opposed Trump’s use of their music during his presidential campaigns. Other musicians, including Neil Young, Beyoncé, and the Foo Fighters, have similarly voiced their displeasure and even initiated legal actions against the Trump campaign for unauthorized uses of their songs. This trend highlights a broader issue of copyright infringement within political arenas, where artists often find their works utilized without permission.
According to the lawsuit, the White Stripes assert that Trump’s campaign has continuously ignored their pre-litigation efforts to rectify the situation amicably. They describe the alleged misuse of their music as a violation of their federal copyright rights, which could have substantial implications for the campaign’s future engagements with musical content.
Responses and Reactions
As of now, Trump’s legal team has not formally responded to the lawsuit. Ronald Coleman, an attorney for Trump, stated in an email that the defendants had not yet been served with papers, leaving much speculation about how they plan to counter the legal claims. The Trump campaign’s silence comes amidst swirling controversies over unauthorized song use, already deepening ongoing tensions between the political figure and various artists.
Jack White’s sentiments against Trump extend beyond the unauthorized use of their song. He has been vocal on social media about his disdain for Trump’s policies, especially during his time in office. The band has publicly denounced Trump’s actions, insisting that they vehemently oppose the ideals that he represents.
Prior Incidents of Unauthorized Use
The unauthorized use of music during campaign rallies is not a recent phenomenon but has been a recurrent theme for Trump since his first presidential run in 2016. Many artists have issued cease-and-desist orders, demanding that the campaigns halt their use of the songs.
Recent controversies include legal actions from the estate of Isaac Hayes and British musician Eddy Grant for similar grievances regarding their music. Just last week, a federal judge ruled against Trump’s campaign in a case involving Hayes’ song “Hold On, I’m Coming,” further complicating the legal landscape surrounding musical copyright rights in political campaigns.
Looking Forward
As the lawsuit moves forward, it remains to be seen how Trump’s campaign will adapt to this latest legal challenge. The White Stripes have made a firm stand against what they view as a significant breach of their artistic rights. Their legal pursuit may not only serve to protect their music but also reinforce a message of resistance against political misuse of creative works.
Trump’s history of using music without permission may eventually lead to policy shifts within the campaign concerning how they utilize artistic content. Given the escalating legal battles, artists may increasingly feel empowered to assert their rights and take action against unauthorized uses in political contexts.
Every time someone files a legal case against Trump for using a song without permission, it shows how strong and important the music industry is in politics. More and more artists are starting to share their opinions, and this could change how political campaigns use music in the future. It also raises important questions about the rights of artists and how they are treated.
