White Stripes sue Trump over use of campaign song

On Monday (09), musicians Jack White and Meg White, former members of The White Stripes, announced that they are suing Donald Trump and his campaign for president for the improper use of the musical work “Seven Nation Army” without permission. The lawsuit was made public in a social media post by Jack, who made a point of highlighting the duo's opposition to Trump's political actions and their attempt to prevent the use of the banner at the former president's campaign events.

Jack White lawsuit and announcement

The lawsuit was released by Jack White on his Instagram profile, with the following caption: “This machine processes fascists”. The document posted by the musician has the New York Court in the header, and in the first paragraph of the introduction there is the following petition: “This action seeks redress for the blatant misappropriation by the presidential candidatemusical composition and song phonogram (Seven Nation Army)”.

_{Lawsuit filed against Trump and his campaign (Reproduction/Instagram/@officialjackwhite)}

The song in question was released by the duo in 2003 and was part of the album “Elephant”. Jack and Meg White claim that their reaction is not only due to the fact that they did not give permission for the use of the musical work in the Trump campaign, but also due to strong opposition to the former president's policies and actions.

Context and history of music

The conflict began after Margo Martin, deputy communications director for the Trump campaign, shared on X (formerly Twitter) a video of Trump playing “Seven Nation Army”Guitarist Jack White had already threatened to sue Trump shortly after the video went viral, and now the lawsuit has been officially filed.

_{The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army (Reproduction/Youtube/The White Stripes)}

The song in question became one of The White Stripes' biggest worldwide hits and, for many, one of the most important songs of the 21st century. Here in Brazil, it is also a huge hit. According to ECAD, the body that collects and distributes copyright in the country, during Rock in Rio 2019, “Seven Nation Army” It was the third most performed work during that edition of the festival, behind only the songs We will rock you and Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.

Guitarist Jack White had already threatened to sue Trump shortly after the video went viral, and now the lawsuit has been officially filed. The White Stripes disbanded in 2011. Jack White continues his musical career in other projects, while his ex-wife and bandmate, drummer Meg, keeps a lower profile.

Featured photo: Duo The White Stripes (Reproduction/Instagram/@thewhitestripes)