White Stripes Sues Trump for Using ‘Seven Nation Forces’

The White Stripes are suing former President Donald Trump for “substantial financial damages” over his unauthorized use of their 2003 hit “Seven Nation Army” for campaign purposes.

In a 13-page complaint filed Monday, the rock duo of Jack and Meg White allege that Trump used the Grammy-winning song “to burnish Defendant Trump’s public image and to garner financial and other support for his campaign and candidacy, all without Plaintiff’s permission or support, and without infringing any of Plaintiff’s rights under federal copyright law.”

The lawsuit names Trump’s campaign and Trump’s deputy communications director, Margo Martin, as defendants, and accuses him of using the song without permission, given that Trump describes himself as a “sophisticated, successful businesswoman with decades of experience in the entertainment industry.”

The lawsuit added that “Plaintiffs vehemently object to the policies adopted and actions taken by Defendant Trump while he was President, and to the policies and actions he proposes for a second term.”

The White Stripes are demanding a jury trial.

“This machine is suing fascists,” Jack White said in an Instagram post announcing the lawsuit on Monday. (His caption was a nod to musician Woody Guthrie.)

“This office is handling this matter,” Trump attorney Ronald Coleman told Rolling Stone in an email Monday. “We have not had a chance to review the claims.”

Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.

Jack White threatened to sue Trump on August 29 after Martin posted a video of Trump boarding a plane while “Seven Nation Army” played.

“Ah… fascists, don’t even think about using my music,” Jack said in an Instagram post Martin shared of Trump’s post. “My lawyer is suing over this (along with your 5,000 followers). Have a great day at work, Margo Martin.”

Many artists and estates, including Beyoncé, Celine Dion, the Rolling Stones, the estate of Sinead O’Connor and the estate of Isaac Hayes, have threatened legal action against Trump or accused him of using their music without permission.