Current:Home > ScamsJack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song -Wealthify
Jack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song
View
Date:2025-04-14 07:44:04
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! (24249)
Related
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Today’s Climate: July 3-4, 2010
- Today’s Climate: July 8, 2010
- Breakthrough Solar Plant Stores Energy for Days
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Emma Coronel Aispuro, wife of El Chapo, moved from federal prison in anticipation of release
- Today’s Climate: July 13, 2010
- In Iowa, Candidates Are Talking About Farming’s Climate Change Connections Like No Previous Election
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Coming out about my bipolar disorder has led to a new deep sense of community
Ranking
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Today’s Climate: August 3, 2010
- The story of two bird-saving brothers in India gets an Oscar nom, an HBO premiere
- With Some Tar Sands Oil Selling at a Loss, Why Is Production Still Rising?
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Below Deck Alum Kate Chastain Addresses Speculation About the Father of Her Baby
- Tupac Shakur posthumously receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Robert De Niro Reveals He Welcomed Baby No. 7
Recommendation
The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
9 more ways to show your friends you love them, recommended by NPR listeners
Benefits of Investing in Climate Adaptation Far Outweigh Costs, Commission Says
Annie Murphy Shares the Must-Haves She Can’t Live Without, Including an $8 Must-Have
Travis Hunter, the 2
Today’s Climate: July 6, 2010
Shipping’s Heavy Fuel Oil Puts the Arctic at Risk. Could It Be Banned?
Trump seeks new trial or reduced damages in E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse case