In a blistering attack that has set social media alight, legendary musician Jack White has publicly excoriated former US President Donald Trump for using his music without permission. The explosive row erupted after Trump's team played White's song at a recent political rally, a move the rock star has condemned in the strongest possible terms.
A Clash of Titans: Music and Politics Collide
The former White Stripes frontman did not mince his words, taking to his official social media channels to deliver a scathing rebuke. In a move that has delighted his fans and ignited a political firestorm, White labelled Trump a "loser" and a "clown," making his disdain for the former president abundantly clear.
This incident is not an isolated one. It highlights the ongoing tension between artists and political figures who seek to use their work to energise supporters. For many musicians, having their art associated with a candidate they fundamentally oppose is a profound violation.
The Legal Grey Area of Campaign Music
While the use of copyrighted music at political events occupies a complex legal space, the court of public opinion often sides with the artists. Campaigns typically secure a blanket licence from performance rights organisations, but this does not cover the use of a song that implies an artist's endorsement.
This has led to a recurring pattern of artists from across the musical spectrum—from Adele and R.E.M. to the estates of Tom Petty and Prince—issuing cease-and-desist letters to politicians of all stripes who co-opt their work.
White's Furious Response
Jack White's response was characterised by its raw intensity and lack of ambiguity. His choice of language—directly insulting Trump's character—signals a deeper frustration with the political climate and a desire to distance his artistic legacy from a figure he clearly holds in contempt.
The rock star's outburst has been met with widespread support from fans and fellow artists alike, who see it as a principled stand against the unauthorised use of creative work for political gain. It underscores the power of music as a cultural battleground, where notes and lyrics are weaponised in the war of ideologies.
As the next election cycle heats up, this feud serves as a stark reminder that the soundtrack to a campaign can sometimes produce the most discordant notes of all.
