CBS News: Jack White speaks on why he Sue Donald Trump Over Unauthorized Use of “Seven Nation Army”

 

Jack White and Meg White, the duo behind the iconic rock band The White Stripes, have initiated legal action against Donald Trump, alleging the unauthorized use of their hit song “Seven Nation Army” in a recent campaign video. The lawsuit, filed in New York, accuses Trump of “flagrant misappropriation” of their music, seeking significant monetary damages.

The legal dispute stems from a video posted by Trump staffer Margo McAtee Martin on August 29, featuring the unmistakable opening riff of “Seven Nation Army” as Trump boarded a plane. Following the video’s release, Jack White took to Instagram, declaring, “Don’t even think about using my music you fascists. Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others).”

The lawsuit outlines that Trump’s campaign did not seek permission from the band to use the song, nor did they respond to attempts to resolve the issue before litigation. It names Trump, his campaign, and Martin as defendants.

Attorney Ronald Coleman, representing Trump, has yet to comment on the lawsuit and noted that the defendants had not

been served with the legal papers. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign has not issued a statement regarding the matter.

The White Stripes join a growing roster of artists who have publicly opposed Trump’s use of their music. Previous instances include Neil Young, Beyoncé, Foo Fighters, and Celine Dion, all of whom have disavowed their songs being used in his campaigns. Recently, Universal Music sent a legal notice to Trump’s campaign regarding unauthorized use of ABBA songs.

This lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between artists and the Trump campaign over copyright infringement. Trump currently faces multiple legal challenges related to unauthorized music use, including suits from the estate of Isaac Hayes and musician Eddy Grant. Just last week, a federal judge barred the Trump campaign from using Hayes’ song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at rallies.

In their filing, the White Stripes assert that “Seven Nation Army” is “among the most well-known and influential musical works of all time,” and argue that Trump’s campaign is profiting from their work without their consent. The band has previously condemned Trump’s use of their music, stating their strong opposition to his policies and actions during his presidency.

As the legal proceedings unfold, this case serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between politics and the arts, particularly in the realm of copyright and artistic expression.