GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Jack White and Meg White, former members of the iconic rock duo The White Stripes, have filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump’s campaign, accusing it of copyright infringement. The lawsuit stems from the unauthorized use of their hit song “Seven Nation Army” in a social media video.
Jack White, who first reacted to the use of the song with a fiery social media post declaring, “This machine sues fascists,” announced the legal action on Monday. The lawsuit also involves his ex-wife and former bandmate, Meg White. It was filed in federal district court in New York against Trump’s campaign and Margo McAtee Martin, the campaign’s deputy communications director.
The video in question, posted on Aug. 29, featured the 2003 chart-topping anthem “Seven Nation Army.” Jack White quickly condemned the campaign, stating, “Don’t even think about using my music, you fascists.” Though the video was promptly removed by the campaign, it has since been reshared by other accounts across social media.
This lawsuit adds to a growing list of legal challenges Trump has faced from musicians whose work has been used without authorization. Recently, a federal judge in Atlanta issued a temporary order preventing the Trump campaign from using “Hold On, I’m Coming” after the estate of co-writer Isaac Hayes filed a complaint. Additionally, a New York judge recently heard arguments from Eddy Grant regarding the campaign’s use of his hit “Electric Avenue.”
In previous cases, Trump’s legal team has invoked the “fair use” defense, arguing that the song’s usage falls within legal limits. However, this is not the first time Jack White has clashed with the Trump campaign. He first spoke out during the 2016 election when the campaign used one of his songs without permission.
In the latest lawsuit, the Whites’ lawyers assert that the Trump campaign neither sought nor received licensing for “Seven Nation Army.” They further stated that even if a request had been made, it would have been denied, as the artists do not want any association with the former president or his campaign.
Jack White, a Detroit native, and Meg White, originally from Grosse Pointe Farms, formed The White Stripes in 1997. The duo disbanded in 2011 after releasing six albums and winning six Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Song for “Seven Nation Army” and Best Alternative Music Album for Elephant in 2004, Get Behind Me Satan in 2006, and Icky Thump in 2008.