The Economist explains

Can Donald Trump use songs against a musician’s will?

Many stars have complained, and some have filed lawsuits

Collage of Donald Trump and Jack White
Illustration: Getty Images/The Economist

WOODY GUTHRIE’S “machine” killed fascists—or so America’s great dust-bowl balladeer wrote on his acoustic guitar. Jack White’s electric machine “sues fascists”, wrote the frontman of The White Stripes on Instagram on September 9th. The “fascist” is Donald Trump, who recently used the band’s most popular song, “Seven Nation Army”, in a campaign video. Mr White wants him to stop. He joins a long list of artists who object to Mr Trump using their music: Abba, Celine Dion, Beyoncé, Foo Fighters, the estates of Isaac Hayes and Sinéad O’Connor and Johnny Marr of The Smiths—and those are just the objectors from this year. (We’ve put together a playlist of Trump-appropriated songs.) Can they turn the music off?

Explore more

Discover more

A photo illustration showing a pile of coal gradually disappearing.

What would it cost to kill coal?

The price of shutting down coal power, and what would be gained

A bumper sticker on an SUV reads 'FLUORIDE - THERE IS POISON IN THE TAP WATER' in Blackhawk, Colorado, USA.

Should America ban fluoride in its drinking water?

The idea by Robert F. Kennedy junior—nominated by Donald Trump as health secretary—may have teeth


Why is Donald Trump keen to use “recess appointments”?

The president-elect is testing the loyalty of the Senate’s next majority leader


Will Donald Trump’s power be unchecked if Republicans win the House?

A “trifecta” of presidency, Senate and House of Representatives would provide a huge opportunity

Why The Economist endorses political candidates

Our independence is protected by our principles and structure

Is Kamala Harris right to call Donald Trump a fascist?

The f-word helps explain him, but may not help beat him