Current:Home > StocksJack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song -ApexWealth
Jack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song
View
Date:2025-04-14 20:22:05
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! (53771)
Related
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Ringo Starr talks hanging with McCartney, why he's making a country album and new tour
- Consultants close to Rep. Henry Cuellar plead guilty to conspiracy
- U.S. announces new rule to empower asylum officials to reject more migrants earlier in process
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- North Carolina Catholic school had right to fire gay teacher who announced wedding online, court rules
- From 'The Iron Claw' to 'The Idea of You,' here are 10 movies you need to stream right now
- WNBA Star Angel Reese Claps Back at Criticism For Attending Met Gala Ahead of Game
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Chilling details emerge about alleged killer of Australian and U.S. surfers in Mexico
Ranking
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Authorities make arrest in 2001 killing of Georgia law student who was found dead in a burning home
- Sewage spill closes waters along 2 miles of Los Angeles beaches
- Think spaving — or spending to save — can save you money? Think again.
- Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
- Senate passes FAA reauthorization bill ahead of deadline
- Eurovision 2024: Grand Final set as Israeli contestant advances in second set of 10
- Man pleads no contest to manslaughter in Detroit police officer’s 2019 killing
Recommendation
McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
Rope team rappels down into a rock quarry to rescue a mutt named Rippy
In Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley,’ Excitement Over New Emissions Rules Is Tempered By a Legal Challenge to Federal Environmental Justice Efforts
Baby giraffe panics, dies after its head got stuck in a hay feeder at Roosevelt Park Zoo
New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
This Overnight Balm Works Miracles Any Time My Skin Is Irritated From Rosacea, Eczema, Allergies, or Acne
US pledges money and other aid to help track and contain bird flu on dairy farms
She was the chauffeur, the encourager and worked for the NSA. But mostly, she was my mom