Rock band The White Stripes is suing GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign for using the band’s megahit “Seven Nation Army” in a now-deleted campaign video.
Lead singer and guitarist Jack White posted the cover of the lawsuit filed in New York District Court on Tuesday on Instagram with the caption, “This car sues fascists.” This is a reference to folk singer Woody Guthrie’s lyrics, “This Machine Kills Fascists,” written on his guitar.
White Stripes drummer Meg White is also named as a plaintiff in the lawsuit, which accuses Trump and the campaign of “blatant embezzlement.” The duo is seeking an unspecified amount of damages and an injunction preventing Trump from using their songs.
A spokesman for Trump’s campaign, as well as the former president’s legal representative, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Jack White made the claim on Instagram a week ago after a Trump campaign staffer posted on Instagram on August 29: “You fascists, don’t even think about using my music. I have a lawsuit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5k).
In the lawsuit, the group notes that they previously “publicly condemned” Trump’s use of the same song during the 2016 campaign, adding that they “oppose the policies and actions taken by defendant Trump while he was president and the policies he has proposed.” . seeking a second term.”
The White Stripes join a list of artists who have filed lawsuits against Trump for unauthorized use of their music, including Abba, Isaac Hayes, Eddy Grant, Neil Young, Beyoncé and Celine Dion.
“Seven Nation Army”, released in 2003, was a worldwide hit. Despite its garage rock origins, the song is now regularly played in sports arenas and has become the unofficial anthem of the Italian national football team.
Austin Mullen contributed.