The White Stripes have officially dropped their copyright infringement lawsuit against former President Donald Trump and his campaign, following the controversial use of their iconic song, “Seven Nation Army.” This decision was made just days after Trump claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election.
The legal battle began when the song was featured without permission in promotional material for Trump’s re-election campaign. An aide to the former president, Margo Martin, posted a video on social media showing Trump boarding his plane, with the unmistakable riffs of the 2003 hit as the background soundtrack. After the video went viral and amassed around 65,000 views, Jack White, the lead singer of the duo, reacted strongly, labeling the unauthorized use as “flagrant misappropriation.”
Back in September, after the video’s release, White took to Instagram, expressing his outrage: “Oh.... Don’t even think about using my music you fascists,” declaring legal action imminent. Joining him was his bandmate and ex-wife, Meg White, as they filed the lawsuit citing multiple counts of copyright infringement against Trump and his campaign.
“Seven Nation Army” remains the band's most recognized track, credited with launching the garage rock revival movement back when it was released. It is known for its powerful bass line and anthem-like qualities, making it popular not only among fans but also as stadium music across various sports.
Initially seeking damages and injunctive relief, the band contended the unauthorized use of their work contradicted their values and represented Trump’s divisive politics. Their lawsuit wasn't just about the song itself; it reflected the band’s strong disapproval of Trump's political ideology and actions during his presidency.
Fast forward to November 10, and the tables had turned quite significantly. The band’s legal representatives fielded a notice asking for the dismissal of their claims “without prejudice,” meaning they reserved the right to refile the lawsuit should they decide to pursue it again down the line.
Jack White has historically maintained vocal opposition to Trump and his administration. Following the election results, he made headlines with his scathing reactions. Describing Trump as a “fascist” and “wannabe dictator,” White remarked, “The American people with the popular vote showed they placed him in power, and now deserve whatever evils he’s going to enact.” This outspoken rhetoric highlights the art and music community’s broader concerns over Trump's political influence and policies.
The irony is rich here because this lawsuit wasn't the first time artists have pushed back against Trump using their music tag. Various musicians, including notable names like Adele, Neil Young, and more, have faced similar frustrations, leading to lawsuits concerning the unauthorized use of their songs during Trump’s rallies and campaign events.
Despite the dismissal, White’s fervor against Trump is unwavering. Even though the lawsuit has been withdrawn, it hasn't silenced his critique of the election results or Trump’s leadership. His vocal distaste for the ramifications of Trump’s re-election remains evident with continued posts aimed at denouncing the actions of the Trump campaign.
Meanwhile, Trump is not free from legal troubles. Similar accusations of unauthorized song usage have emerged from various artists, including musician Isaac Hayes’ estate, who reported their own copyright infringement case against Trump stemming from the repeated usage of “Hold On, I’m Coming.” Trump’s campaign continues to navigate the storm of copyright claims, indicating this won't be the last dilemma for him as he dives back onto the political scene.
It remains to be seen if The White Stripes will eventually choose to refile their lawsuit, but for now, they’ve decided to take a step back and reassess their legal strategy. Perhaps this pause reflects not just on their grievances over the song being used but also on how they want to align their artistic identity with current politics.
Considering the cultural significance of “Seven Nation Army,” aptly used as rallying cries across various movements, the band's grievance resonates beyond mere copyright infringement. It’s about defending their legacy and standing firm against a figure who they feel misrepresents their values through his actions and political narratives.
This saga encapsulates more than just the struggles of musicians; it highlights the intersections of music, politics, and copyright law where artistic integrity is pitted against commercial interests. Will Jack White continue to leverage his music as advocacy? For now, he has left the door open on legal fronts, and his unyielding spirit against Donald Trump endures.
