White Stripes Files Lawsuit Against Trump Campaign for Copyright Violations

New Legal Action in Music Industry

The White Stripes have joined a growing list of musicians taking legal action against the Trump Presidential campaign for unauthorized use of their music. On Monday, band members filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accusing the Trump campaign of “flagrant misappropriation” of their iconic song, Seven Nation Army.

Background of the Lawsuit

This lawsuit follows a series of legal battles between artists and the Trump campaign over music rights. Last month, Jack White, the lead singer and guitarist of the White Stripes, threatened legal action over a video posted on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). The video featured Trump boarding a plane for campaign events in Michigan and Wisconsin, accompanied by the band’s song. White’s reaction was fierce: he posted, “Oh….Don’t even think about using my music you fascists,” and hinted at legal proceedings with the comment, “Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others.)”

Broader Context of Music Lawsuits

The White Stripes’ lawsuit is part of a broader trend where artists have challenged the use of their music in political campaigns. At least 35 artists have expressed discontent or issued takedown notices in recent months regarding the unauthorized use of their work by Trump’s various campaigns. This trend reflects a larger issue within the music industry about the control of creative content and its association with political figures.

Legal Precedents and Related Cases

This case follows a recent ruling involving the estate of Isaac Hayes. Judge Thomas Thrash Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia granted a preliminary injunction to stop the Trump campaign from using Hayes’ song, “Hold On, I’m Coming,” during campaign events. The court’s decision underscored the serious nature of copyright infringement claims against political campaigns.

White Stripes’ Opposition to Trump’s Policies

The White Stripes’ complaint not only addresses copyright infringement but also expresses strong disapproval of Trump’s political policies. The lawsuit highlights the band’s opposition to Trump’s actions and policies during his presidency and his proposed plans for a potential second term. The complaint argues that the unauthorized use of their music in Trump’s campaign videos is particularly offensive given their stance against his political agenda.

Claims and Legal Demands

The complaint accuses the Trump campaign of direct, contributory, and vicarious copyright infringement. It seeks an accounting of any financial gains from the video, which reportedly garnered at least 65,000 views and 700 reposts shortly after appearing on X. White also posted the initial page of the complaint on Instagram, captioned, “This machine sues fascists.”

Political and Legal Reactions

In response to the Hayes estate’s request for a preliminary injunction, the Republican National Committee (RNC) argued that the lawsuit was “much delayed and strategically timed” and claimed that an injunction would negatively impact public access to campaign materials. This argument reflects ongoing debates about the balance between intellectual property rights and public access to political content.

Conclusion

The ongoing legal battle between the White Stripes and the Trump campaign underscores the complex intersection of copyright law, political campaigning, and artistic control. As these cases continue to evolve, they may set important precedents for how music rights are managed in political contexts.