The White Stripes file a lawsuit against Trump's campaign for utilizing 'Seven Nation Army'.
Jack and Meg White, previously of the rock duo The White Stripes, filed a lawsuit in a New York federal court on Monday, accusing Donald Trump and his campaign of "blatant misuse" and copyright violation of their 2003 track "Seven Nation Army."
The lawsuit, obtained by CNN, states that the two musicians "strongly object" to the policies and actions taken by Defendant Trump during his presidency, as well as his proposed policies for his potential second term, without their approval. They claim that the song was used without their knowledge or consent.
CNN attempted to gather comments from the Trump campaign and Jack White's representatives. The White Stripes disbanded in 2011.
Recently, Jack White announced his intention to take legal action after Margo Martin, a deputy director of communications for the Trump campaign, posted a video on social media of Trump boarding a plane, with "Seven Nation Army" playing in the background. This video was later deleted.
In their lawsuit, the Whites' lawyers argue that the defendants neglected to address the pre-litigation attempts to resolve these issues, leaving the Whites with no other option but to seek legal remedy to hold the defendants accountable.
The Whites join a number of artists who have opposed Trump using their music for his campaign, such as Celine Dion, Foo Fighters, and ABBA. However, the Whites are the only living artists to file a lawsuit against Trump in 2024.
The estate of soul singer Isaac Hayes also sued the Trump campaign for copyright infringement. Last week, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump campaign, prohibiting further use of the song "Hold On, I’m Coming." This is the first time a court has ordered Trump to cease using a specific song, despite public objections from artists, during this election cycle.
The White Stripes' decision to file a lawsuit stemmed from their concern about the misuse of their iconic track "Seven Nation Army" being used as entertainment during Donald Trump's political events. Despite their clear objection to this usage, the song was played without their consent or approval during his presidency and proposed second term.
