Current:Home > ScamsJack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song -Wealth Legacy Solutions
Jack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song
TrendPulse Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-03-11 06:51:48
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! (1)
Related
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Indictment alleges West Virginia couple used adopted Black children as ‘slaves,’ judge says
- Is she a murderer or was she framed? Things to know about the Boston-area trial of Karen Read
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Spare Change
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Former Atlanta cheer coach arrested twice for sexual exploitation of a minor
- US journalist Evan Gershkovich goes on secret espionage trial in Russia
- It may soon cost a buck instead of $12 to make a call from prison, FCC says
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. didn’t make the debate stage. He faces hurdles to stay relevant
Ranking
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- 'I'm sorry': Texas executes Ramiro Gonzales on birthday of 18-year-old he raped and killed
- Pair of giant pandas on their way from China to San Diego Zoo under conservation partnership
- Keeping kids safe online is a challenge: Here's how to block porn on X
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Angel Reese is a throwback to hardcore players like Dennis Rodman. That's a compliment.
- 'Forever 7': Grieving family of murdered Oklahoma girl eager for execution 40 years later
- Former Atlanta cheer coach arrested twice for sexual exploitation of a minor
Recommendation
$73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger endorses President Biden's reelection
The Volvo S60 sedan Is suddenly dead
These trans activists wanted to build community. They found each other.
What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
Can the 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV replace a gas-powered family hauler?
US Olympic and Paralympic Committee awards Sarah Hirshland a 5-year contract extension as CEO
Prosecutor drops 2 remaining charges against ex-police chief and top aide after indictment dismissed