White Stripes sue Donald Trump for ‘flagrant misappropriation’ of their song ‘Seven Nation Army’

‘This machine sues fascists’ wrote White

The White Stripes are suing Donald Trump for using their song, “Seven Nation Army” after it was included in a campaign video as part of his bid for the US presidency.

The well-known opening riff was included in footage of the former president boarding a private jet on the campaign trail last week. It was posted by a member of his staff on X/Twitter – it has since been deleted. The band were incensed by its use and singer Jack White promised to take the matter to court, at the time.

Now, it appears the band have made good on that threat as White shared the first page of a lawsuit to his Instagram page on Monday (9 September). He captioned the post: “This machine sues fascists”.

The copyright infringement lawsuit lists band member and drummer Meg White alongside the singer and accuses Trump of “flagrant misappropriation” of their song.

They described the music as “among the most well-known and influential musical works of all time” and accused Trump and his team of using the music to “generate financial and other support for his campaign and candidacy on the backs of plaintiffs, whose permission and endorsement he neither sought nor obtained in violation of their rights under federal copyright law”.

The Independent has contacted Trump’s team for comment.

It comes after a number of artists have hit back at the use of their music being used by Trump at rallies and other presidential campaign events. They include Beyoncé, Neil Young, Celine Dion and the Foo Fighters. Abba’s recording label Universal Music issued a legal notice to Trump’s team over unauthorised use of their songs.

Jack White posted the first page of the lawsuit to his Instagram page (Instagram/OfficialJackWhite)

He is also currently being sued for unauthorised use of music by the estate of Isaac Hayes and from musician Eddy Grant. A judge ordered Trump to stop using the late artist’s music in a judgement last week.

In a post last week, White had promised to take the matter further as he wrote, “Oh....Don’t even think about using my music you fascists. Lawsuit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your five thousand others.)

White is suing Trump for use of his music (Getty)

“Have a great day at work today Margo Martin [the staffer who posted the footage]. And as long as I’m here, a double f**k 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.”