Current:Home > reviewsJack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song -BeyondProfit Compass
Jack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song
View
Date:2025-04-16 01:08:58
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! (92954)
Related
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Q&A: A Human Rights Expert Hopes Covid-19, Climate Change and Racial Injustice Are a ‘Wake-Up Call’
- Celebrate Pride Month & Beyond With These Rainbow Fashion & Beauty Essentials
- Amazon Reviewers Swear By This Beautiful Two-Piece Set for the Summer
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Trump Budget Calls for Slashing Clean Energy Spending, Again
- Elite runner makes wrong turn just before finish line, costing her $10,000 top prize
- Book excerpt: American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- America’s Energy Future: What the Government Misses in Its Energy Outlook and Why It Matters
Ranking
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- Clues From Wines Grown in Hot, Dry Regions May Help Growers Adapt to a Changing Climate
- Los Angeles sheriff disturbed by video of violent Lancaster arrest by deputies
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $260 Crossbody Bag for Just $59
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- Q&A: A Human Rights Expert Hopes Covid-19, Climate Change and Racial Injustice Are a ‘Wake-Up Call’
- Elite runner makes wrong turn just before finish line, costing her $10,000 top prize
- The 100-year storm could soon hit every 11 years. Homeowners are already paying the price.
Recommendation
North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
Khloe Kardashian Gives Update on Nickname for Her Baby Boy Tatum
Fossil Fuels on Trial: Where the Major Climate Change Lawsuits Stand Today
Elite runner makes wrong turn just before finish line, costing her $10,000 top prize
'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
Emails Reveal U.S. Justice Dept. Working Closely with Oil Industry to Oppose Climate Lawsuits
Dyson Flash Sale: Save $200 on the TP7A Air Purifier & Fan During This Limited-Time Deal
Amazon Reviewers Swear By This Beautiful Two-Piece Set for the Summer