White Stripes Drop Lawsuit Against Trump Over 'Seven Nation Army'.
White Stripes have officially withdrawn their copyright lawsuit against U.S. President Donald Trump over the unauthorized use of their iconic song, "Seven Nation Army."
This legal dispute began earlier in 2024 when the song was featured in a video promoting Trump's re-election campaign. However, after months of legal proceedings, the band has decided to dismiss the case, but with the option to refile in the future.
Background of the Lawsuit
The controversy began in August 2024, when Jack White, the frontman of the legendary rock duo The White Stripes, publicly criticized Trump's campaign for using "Seven Nation Army" without permission. The track, known for its instantly recognizable bass line and anthem-like energy, was included in a campaign video, which White viewed as an inappropriate use of his music for political purposes.
In a social media post that quickly went viral, White warned Trump’s team, saying, “Oh….Don’t even think about using my music, you fascists.” His statement was a direct response to the inclusion of the song in a video segment promoting Trump’s policies and candidacy.
Jack White, who has been vocal about his opposition to Donald Trump and his political ideology, made it clear that he would be taking legal action. In the following weeks, he, along with his bandmate Meg White, filed a lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan. The suit claimed that the unauthorized use of "Seven Nation Army" violated the band's copyright and expressed their strong disapproval of Trump’s political stance, policies, and actions during his first term in office.
Legal Action and Its Implications
The lawsuit was filed with strong language, asserting that The White Stripes "strongly contest the policies implemented and the actions undertaken by Defendant Trump" during his presidency. It also criticized Trump’s stance as divisive, authoritarian, and harmful to the values that the band holds dear.
However, despite the intensity of the case, it seems that the band has chosen to step back from further legal confrontation at this moment. The White Stripes have recently requested the dismissal of the lawsuit “without prejudice,” meaning they retain the option to refile the case should they wish to pursue legal action in the future.
While the decision to withdraw the lawsuit may seem unexpected, it highlights the complexity of the relationship between politics, music, and copyright law. Despite the legal setback, Jack White’s vocal criticism of Trump has remained a central part of his public persona.
Jack White's Ongoing Criticism of Trump
Even after the lawsuit was initiated, Jack White continued to express his disdain for Trump, particularly on social media. One of the most notable exchanges came in October 2024, when Trump made disparaging remarks about Detroit during a campaign speech. Referring to the city as a cautionary tale, Trump suggested that if Vice President Kamala Harris were to win the election, America could end up like Detroit, which he described as a “mess.”
White swiftly responded to Donald Trump's comments, calling the remarks “perplexing” and highlighting that Trump did not understand the people or values of Detroit. His response was filled with frustration, urging that Trump’s chances of winning Michigan were slim. "What kind of political idiot insults Detroit while SPEAKING TO DETROITERS???" White fired back on social media. "Guess what Trump, YOU AIN’T LIKE US. You’re gonna lose Michigan BIGLY, you wanna-be dictator orange clown. Go back to your fascist rallies.”
White’s comments are just the latest in a series of outspoken critiques of Trump that he has made over the years. His opposition to the president is not just about policy differences but also a strong moral objection to Trump's behavior, rhetoric, and views.
Post-Election Reflections
After Trump's re-election victory on November 6, 2024, Jack White did not hold back in voicing his disappointment with the outcome. In a scathing social media post, White condemned the American electorate for choosing a leader he described as a “known, obvious fascist.” He argued that Trump's re-election would lead to dire consequences for immigrants, minorities, and women, particularly criticizing the president’s stance on reproductive rights.
“Americans chose a known, obvious fascist and now America will get whatever this wannabe dictator wants to enact from here on in,” White wrote. “Immigrants? He wants you out. Minorities? He doesn’t care about you at ALL. Women? You know exactly what he thinks of you. Dying on the stretcher from a miscarriage of your rapist’s pregnancy?”
These comments further solidify Jack White’s position as a vocal critic of Trump, and it’s clear that the band's opposition to his politics is a key motivator in their actions, including the lawsuit over "Seven Nation Army."
Donald Trump Photo: Alex Brandon
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