Current:Home > ScamsJack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song -NextGenWealth
Jack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song
View
Date:2025-04-20 23:20:10
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! (1)
Related
- Illinois Gov. Pritzker calls for sheriff to resign after Sonya Massey shooting
- Chita Rivera, revered and pioneering Tony-winning dancer and singer, dies at 91
- PGA Tour strikes a $3 billion deal with a sports owners investment group
- Family of child burned in over-chlorinated resort pool gets $26 million settlement
- Louisiana high court temporarily removes Judge Eboni Johnson Rose from Baton Rouge bench amid probe
- UPS to layoff nearly 12,000 employees across the globe to 'align resources for 2024'
- Shark attacks and seriously injures woman swimming in Sydney Harbor: I heard a soft yell for help
- Massachusetts man shot dead after crashing truck, approaching officer with knife
- USA men's volleyball mourns chance at gold after losing 5-set thriller, will go for bronze
- Wisconsin governor signs legislative package aimed at expanding access to dental care
Ranking
- Tony Hawk drops in on Paris skateboarding and pushes for more styles of sport in LA 2028
- Caregivers spend a whopping $7,200 out of pocket. New bill would provide tax relief.
- Taylor Swift AI pictures highlight the horrors of deepfake porn. Will we finally care?
- Kat Von D wins lawsuit over Miles Davis tattoo, says her 'heart has been crushed' by trial
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Democratic field set for special election that could determine control of Michigan House
- 'Argylle' review: A great spy comedy premise is buried by secret-agent chaos
- Military vet who killed Iraqi civilian in 2004 is ordered jailed on charges he used metal baton to assault officers during Capitol riot
Recommendation
Immigration issues sorted, Guatemala runner Luis Grijalva can now focus solely on sports
Takeaways from the AP’s look at the role of conspiracy theories in American politics and society
Student, dad arrested after San Diego school shooting threat; grenades, guns found in home
Margot Robbie Breaks Silence on Oscars Nomination Snub for Barbie Role
Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
Whether You're Rooting for the Chiefs or the 49ers, These Red Lipsticks Are Kiss-Proof
Venomous and adorable: The pygmy slow loris, a tiny primate, is melting hearts in Memphis
Below Deck's Ben Willoughby Reveals the Real Reason for Camille Lamb Breakup