Days after calling Donald Trump a “wannabe dictator,” musician Jack White and his band, The White Stripes, decided to drop their lawsuit against the president-elect. The legal case, filed earlier in 2024, stemmed from the unauthorized use of the band’s iconic 2003 hit “Seven Nation Army” in a Trump campaign video. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court in October, claimed that the song’s use in the video without the band’s knowledge or consent was a clear violation of copyright law.
The White Stripes were particularly upset by the use of their song in the background of a video showing Trump boarding a plane to campaign in Michigan and Wisconsin. The song, often regarded as one of the most influential and recognizable tracks in modern music, was used to soundtrack a video that featured the former president’s public image, something the band did not approve of. Jack White, who has been vocal about his political stances in the past, expressed that this unauthorized use of the song was an especially offensive move, especially given his longstanding opposition to Trump.
In addition to claiming that their rights were violated, the band also argued that Trump and his campaign should have known the use of the song was unauthorized. This was based on the fact that Trump has a history of being involved in multiple legal battles over the use of copyrighted music, often without proper permissions. The band emphasized that they had expressed their disapproval of Trump’s use of their music in the past, specifically back in 2016 when they denounced their association with his campaign. This time, however, they felt that the actions of Trump and his campaign were even more egregious, prompting them to take legal action.
The lawsuit was dismissed “without prejudice,” meaning that while the band withdrew the case, it could still be refiled at a later date if the circumstances change. The decision to drop the lawsuit was made just days after Jack White publicly criticized Trump’s re-election, calling out both the former president and those who supported him. White shared his thoughts on social media, calling Trump a “wannabe dictator” and lamenting the fact that so many Americans had voted for him, a man he described as a “con man.” White’s scathing remarks suggested a deep frustration with the political landscape in the United States, particularly with the re-election of a figure he described as an obvious fascist.
Despite dropping the lawsuit, the White Stripes’ stance on Trump’s use of their music remains clear. Jack White has always been vocal about his political beliefs, and his opposition to Trump has been unwavering since the 2016 election. The lawsuit was an attempt to hold Trump accountable for using the band’s music without permission, but it also served as a larger statement about their disapproval of his political ideologies and actions.
The legal battle is part of a larger pattern of artists speaking out against the unauthorized use of their work in political campaigns. Many musicians have filed lawsuits or publicly distanced themselves from political figures who have used their songs in ways that contradict the artists’ values. The White Stripes, in particular, have long been against their music being associated with Trump’s brand, and this lawsuit was their attempt to protect their intellectual property while making a political statement.
Ultimately, the decision to withdraw the lawsuit does not change the band’s stance on the use of their music or their opposition to Trump’s presidency. The White Stripes remain firm in their belief that their music should not be used to promote political figures they disagree with. Jack White’s words continue to reflect a deep discontent with the political climate in the United States, and the band’s actions serve as both a legal and symbolic rejection of Trump’s ideology.
