Jack White Delivers a Scathing New Verse of “Corporation” Targeting Trump and Musk During Final Boston Show
Jack White wrapped up the first North American leg of his *No Name* tour in Boston on February 18 with a performance that delivered a sharp critique of two of the most prominent figures in American capitalism: Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The show featured a special rendition of White’s biting song “Corporation,” from his 2018 album *Boarding House Reach*, a track that already stands as a critique of unchecked corporate greed and the commodification of society. However, during this particular performance, White amplified the song’s message with new, pointed lyrics directly aimed at Trump and Musk.
While the song has always had an underlying tone of criticism toward America’s corporate elite, White’s updated version in Boston added a layer of scathing commentary on the pair’s influence on American politics and business. “Corporation” already has a powerful line in its original form: “I’m gonna buy up all the empty lots and make one giant farm / Who’s with me?” But in this live performance, White took the opportunity to turn his microphone into a megaphone for a direct attack on the two billionaires.
The reworked verse, which has only recently surfaced online, began with White questioning the notion of becoming an oligarch: “I was thinking about becoming an oligarch, who’s with me?” White then launched into lyrics mocking Musk’s business practices, particularly his use of government subsidies and his controversial stance on public service.
“I was thinking about taking government subsidies and starting my own electric car company. Who’s with me? I’m thinking about not being elected. Never holding a public office. Never serving one day of military service. But somehow
But White’s criticism didn’t end there. In a further jab at both Musk and Trump, he continued: “I’m thinking about not being properly vetted by the Supreme Court or Congress, just doing whatever the hell I want because some fucking bloated asshole orange fucking gorilla who’s failed at every business he’s ever ran wants me to be his golf cart partner!”
As if his point wasn’t clear enough, the crowd in Boston witnessed the fiery and unmistakable critique of the intertwining of political and business power that has come to define much of contemporary American discourse. White’s remarks echoed frustrations many Americans feel about the lack of accountability for powerful figures who seem to operate above the law.
White’s political critiques are nothing new. The artist has long been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump, even going so far as to file a lawsuit last fall after Trump’s campaign used *Seven Nation Army* without permission. Though that lawsuit was dropped after Trump’s 2024 election victory, White has continued to use his platform to speak out against the former president and other figures who he believes perpetuate harm through unchecked power.
White’s decision to incorporate such pointed, impassioned new lyrics into “Corporation” is a stark reminder that his music remains a vehicle for his strong political convictions. By pairing his sharp critiques with his innovative musical style, White once again proved that his live performances are more than just concerts—they are opportunities for social commentary, encapsulating his ever-evolving critique of the corporate powers that shape the world.
As the video of this incendiary performance spreads online, it’s clear that White’s message has only grown more urgent and relevant in the face of the ongoing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a select few. In a world where billionaires like Musk and Trump continue to hold sway over American politics, White’s bold and unfiltered words serve as a necessary reminder of the larger forces at play.
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