Jack White vs. Trump: A Battle for Artists’ Rights Unfolds

Person speaking at a podium with microphones.
President Donald Trump speaks at a rally on Jan. 6,2021 near the White House shortly before his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Musician Jack White is taking legal action against Donald Trump, claiming unauthorized use of his music at political events.

At a Glance

  • The White Stripes filed a copyright claim against Donald Trump for unauthorized use of their song “Seven Nation Army” in a campaign video.
  • Unauthorized use of songs by political campaigns raises significant intellectual property rights issues for artists.
  • Jack White expressed anger towards Trump, accusing him of disrespecting veterans.
  • The matter highlights a broader trend of artists fighting to protect their creative works from being misused by political entities.

White Stripes Legal Action Against Trump

The White Stripes, led by musician Jack White, have taken a stand against the unauthorized use of their hit song “Seven Nation Army” in a video associated with Donald Trump’s campaign. The particular video, which features Trump boarding his private jet, was initially posted on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter) and has since been removed. This legal dispute is not a solitary instance but a part of a broader movement by artists to safeguard their creative expressions from unauthorized political exploitation.

The lawsuit highlights a vital aspect of the music industry: the rights of artists to control how and where their creations are utilized. Unauthorized use of a song not only infringes upon federal copyright laws but potentially misrepresents the artist’s stance on political figures or ideologies. The White Stripes’ claim argues that Trump’s use of the song could “generate financial and other support for his campaign and candidacy” without the band’s consent.

Jack White’s Strong Reaction

Jack White did not mask his frustration over the situation. Notably vocal on social media, he posted a screen recording of the offending video alongside colorful comments about Trump’s controversial past remarks. “Oh….Don’t even think about using my music you fascists,” White exclaimed directly, while also condemning Trump for allegedly insulting veterans at Arlington National Cemetery.

“Oh….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.) Have a great day at work today Margo Martin. And as long as I’m here, a double **** you DonOLD 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.” – Jack White

In his comments, he pointedly addressed Margo Martin, Trump’s Deputy Director of Communications, warning of impending legal actions to add to their existing cases. Such outcries from artists emphasize their desire for control over their creations and underscore the frustrations many entertainers face when their work is misappropriated.

A Broader Pattern Among Artists

This incident isn’t isolated. Other prominent artists like Beyoncé, Celine Dion, and even the Foo Fighters have previously lodged similar complaints against Trump regarding the use of their music during his campaign rallies.

These legal battles shine a spotlight on ongoing issues in intellectual property rights, encouraging political campaigns to rethink their approach to music licensing. The pattern also points to the necessity for greater transparency and compliance regarding artists’ contractual agreements, ensuring the integrity of artistic works in the political realm.

Sources

1. Jack White Promises To Sue Donald Trump: “Don’t Even Think About Using My Music You Fascists”

2. White Stripes File Copyright Claim Against Trump Over Music Use in Campaign

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