Current:Home > ContactJack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song -WealthMindset Learning
Jack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song
View
Date:2025-04-14 20:44:34
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! (157)
Related
- Your Wedding Guests Will Thank You if You Get Married at These All-Inclusive Resorts
- New Hampshire will decide incumbent’s fate in 1 US House district and fill an open seat in the other
- Progressive district attorney faces tough-on-crime challenger in Los Angeles
- Gerrit Cole, Yankees call each others' bluffs in opt-out saga: 'Grass isn’t always greener'
- Clay Aiken's son Parker, 15, makes his TV debut, looks like his father's twin
- 1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Addresses Rumors Sister Amy Slaton Is Pregnant
- Mississippi Republican Sen. Roger Wicker is challenged by Democrat Ty Pinkins
- These Oprah’s Favorite Things Are Major Sell-Out Risks: Don’t Miss Your Chance!
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Mississippi Republican Sen. Roger Wicker is challenged by Democrat Ty Pinkins
Ranking
- 'Most Whopper
- The GOP expects to keep Kansas’ open House seat. Democratic Rep. Davids looks tough to beat
- 4 Democratic US House members face challengers in Massachusetts
- GOP tries to break Connecticut Democrats’ winning streak in US House races
- Kourtney Kardashian Cradles 9-Month-Old Son Rocky in New Photo
- Ruby slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ are for sale nearly 2 decades after they were stolen
- 10 teams to watch as MLB rumors swirl with GM meetings, free agency getting underway
- Ariana Grande Responds to Fan Criticism Over Her Wicked Casting
Recommendation
RFK Jr. grilled again about moving to California while listing New York address on ballot petition
Montana Rep. Zooey Zephyr must win reelection to return to the House floor after 2023 sanction
1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Addresses Rumors Sister Amy Slaton Is Pregnant
Easily find friends this Halloween. Here's how to share your location: Video tutorial.
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Central Michigan voters are deciding 2 open congressional seats in the fight for the US House
Tropical Storm Rafael to become hurricane before landfall in Cuba. Is US at risk?
James Van Der Beek, Jenna Fischer and the rise of young people getting cancer