Current:Home > FinanceJack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song -ProfitSphere Academy
Jack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song
Ethermac Exchange View
Date:2025-04-07 05:36:48
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! (64)
Related
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Philippines' VP Sara Duterte a no
- Hougang murder: Victim was mum of 3, moved to Singapore to provide for family
- 'Unimaginable situation': South Korea endures fallout from martial law effort
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Austin Tice's parents reveal how the family coped for the last 12 years
- Fortnite OG is back. Here's what to know about the mode's release, maps and game pass.
- Fortnite OG is back. Here's what to know about the mode's release, maps and game pass.
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- As a Major California Oil Producer Eyes Carbon Storage, Thousands of Idle Wells Await Cleanup
Ranking
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- As a Major California Oil Producer Eyes Carbon Storage, Thousands of Idle Wells Await Cleanup
- 10 cars with 10 cylinders: The best V
- Stock market today: Asian shares retreat, tracking Wall St decline as price data disappoints
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Joe Burrow’s home broken into during Monday Night Football in latest pro
- 10 cars with 10 cylinders: The best V
- When does the new season of 'Virgin River' come out? Release date, cast, where to watch
Recommendation
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
Snoop Dogg Details "Kyrptonite" Bond With Daughter Cori Following Her Stroke at 24
Morgan Wallen's Chair Throwing Case Heading to Criminal Court
Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
Rooftop Solar Keeps Getting More Accessible Across Incomes. Here’s Why
Elon Musk just gave Nvidia investors one billion reasons to cheer for reported partnership
The Daily Money: Now, that's a lot of zeroes!