Rock Star's Halftime Show Set to Ignite Political Firestorm
The National Football League finds itself heading toward another potential confrontation with former President Donald Trump as Detroit-native rock legend Jack White prepares to take the stage during next week's Thanksgiving halftime show. The 50-year-old guitarist, famous for writing the anthem 'Seven Nation Army' and widely regarded as one of history's finest musicians, has repeatedly targeted Trump in social media outbursts throughout recent months.
White's performance during the Detroit Lions versus Green Bay Packers game comes at a sensitive time, following Bad Bunny's controversial hiring as February's Super Bowl performer. The rocker's prominent role is unlikely to sit well with Trump, given their history of public clashes.
Months of Political Confrontation
Since Trump's election victory over Kamala Harris and the Democrats, White has unleashed multiple attacks against the former president. In one particularly fiery Instagram post, White shared a Turkish proverb about trees voting for an axe and declared: 'Trump won the popular vote. End of story. Americans chose a known, obvious fascist and now America will get whatever this wannabe dictator wants to enact from here on in.'
The musician went on to list his concerns about Trump's potential policies, including:
- Project 2025
- Mass deportations
- Nationwide abortion ban
- Extending term limits
- Support for Putin's war efforts
White didn't hold back in his criticism, stating: 'It's absolutely dumbfounding that this con man succeeded in pulling the wool over so many Americans eyes.'
Oval Office Design Sparks Fresh Conflict
In August, the conflict escalated when White attacked Trump's redesign of the Oval Office. Sharing a photograph of Trump with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, White posted: 'Look at how disgusting Trump has transformed the historic White House. It's now a vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy, professional wrestler's dressing room.'
The White House quickly retaliated, with Trump's communications director Steven Cheung telling the Daily Beast: 'Jack White is a washed up, has-been loser posting drivel on social media because he clearly has ample time on his hands due to his stalled career.'
This prompted another furious response from White, who drew comparisons between Trump's movement and the rise of Nazi Germany. In a lengthy Instagram statement, he declared: 'I was raised to believe that we defeated fascism in World War II and that we would never allow it again in the world.'
The rock star made his position crystal clear, adding: 'No intelligent person can defend this low-life fascist.'
Clarifying His Position on Fans
Most recently, White took to social media to deny circulating quotes that suggested he had forbidden MAGA supporters from attending his concerts or listening to his music. 'I'm getting shown a lot of nonsense from twitter of maga people and bots attributing false quotes to me about excluding people from my shows,' White wrote.
He clarified his position, stating: 'My own political views aside, I make music to share with anyone who wants to get something out of it, and I appreciate anyone who buys a ticket or an album to keep that train moving.'
Despite this conciliatory gesture toward fans, White continues to sell a $30 'Icky Trump' protest t-shirt through his White Stripes and Third Man Records websites - a clever pun on his hit song 'Icky Thump'.
The Thanksgiving halftime performance comes just days after White's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Los Angeles. Adding to the Detroit connection, rapper Eminem, also from the city, will serve as executive producer for White's halftime show.
The political undertones extend beyond the performance itself. Trump recently attended a Lions game in Washington, where Detroit beat the Commanders 44-22. Notably, star Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown copied Trump's YMCA dance after scoring a touchdown, adding another layer to the complex relationship between sports, entertainment, and politics.
As Thanksgiving approaches, all eyes will be on whether White uses his platform to make another political statement, potentially setting the stage for another chapter in his ongoing feud with the former president.
