The iconic riff of seven nation army still echoes across stadiums, streaming services, and political flashpoints. Even now, years after its release, the song remains culturally potent—and it’s reemerging amid fresh front-page drama. As Jack White’s anthem retains relevance, former President Donald Trump is pressing Microsoft to dismiss its Global Affairs President, Lisa Monaco, citing national security concerns.
Below, we break down how seven nation army continues to shape music and fandom, and how the Microsoft-Monaco controversy underscores where pop culture and politics unexpectedly collide.
Table of Contents
“Seven Nation Army”: A Lasting Anthem
Released in 2003 by The White Stripes, “Seven Nation Army” has grown far beyond its origins. Its simple but powerful riff, originally played on a guitar run through a pitch-shifter, became instantly recognizable. Over time, the song evolved into an anthem:
- It reached platinum status in multiple countries.
- It won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.
- It consistently ranks on “greatest songs” lists.
- It morphed into a sports stadium chant—fans all over the world adopted it as a rallying cry.
The song’s endurance lies in its blend of minimalism, emotional energy, and adaptability. That riff is now part of collective memory—and it resurfaces whenever music, culture, or controversy align.
Recent Headlines: The White Stripes vs. Trump
In 2024, The White Stripes filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump after his campaign used “Seven Nation Army” without permission in a video. The band accused the campaign of copyright infringement. However, by late 2024, they dropped the lawsuit without prejudice, leaving open the possibility to revive it.
Jack White had publicly objected at the time, calling the unauthorized use unacceptable. That episode reinforced the way seven nation army is tied to White’s artistic legacy and the band’s stance on control over their music.
Trump’s Push Against Microsoft’s Lisa Monaco
While seven nation army remains a cultural touchstone, a separate and more immediate controversy is escalating in the political sphere. On September 26, 2025, Trump publicly demanded that Microsoft fire Lisa Monaco, its President of Global Affairs. He claimed her past roles in the Justice Department and her revoked security clearances make her a liability for a corporation that holds significant federal contracts.
Monaco, formerly Deputy Attorney General, coordinated federal investigations, including the government’s response to January 6 and matters involving classified documents. Before joining Microsoft in July 2025, she served in law enforcement and homeland security roles.
Trump’s statement triggered sharp debate. Microsoft has not publicly responded. The company now faces pressure from political actors urging dismissal, and from stakeholders wary of the financial, reputational, or legal fallout.
Compounding the heat, two federal prosecutors who once worked with Monaco were dismissed in early October 2025—seen by many as part of a broader purge of officials tied to prior Trump-related cases. The firings fueled speculation that Trump’s demand about Monaco is part of a larger strategy to reshape institutional power.
Why “Seven Nation Army” Matters in This Moment
You might wonder: what does a song from 2003 have to do with a political demand in 2025? The connection is less literal and more symbolic—but potent nonetheless.
- Cultural assertion: When Trump or campaign affiliates use a song like “seven nation army” without authorization, it’s seen as a statement—one that pulls pop culture into political identity.
- Artistic ownership: White’s pushback against misuse of his work underscores a broader battle: who controls cultural expression in public discourse?
- Public memory and symbolism: “Seven Nation Army” carries weight. Referencing it, invoking its tension or resonance, can amplify messages about power, resistance, identity.
In other words, this isn’t just about a lawsuit or demand. It’s about how art and politics overlap in public consciousness.
A Side-by-Side Look
| Topic | Key Figures | Core Conflict | Cultural Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Seven Nation Army” Use Case | Jack White, Trump campaign | Unauthorized use of the song | Raises issues of creative control and public appropriation |
| Microsoft & Monaco | Trump, Lisa Monaco, Microsoft leadership | Whether Monaco should be fired | Highlights tensions in tech, government contracts, and national security |
While the two stories differ in domain, both involve struggles over authority—authority over music, public image, and institutional influence.
What’s Next
- Microsoft’s response will be telling. Will it protect Monaco, or yield to political pressure?
- If Monaco is dismissed, the consequences could ripple through government contracts, regulatory relationships, and market confidence.
- Could Jack White revisit the issue of “seven nation army” use in new contexts? As long as the song remains relevant, its legacy invites scrutiny.
For now, seven nation army remains more than a track; it’s part of America’s musical and cultural fabric. And while the Microsoft–Monaco saga may not directly involve riffs or rhythms, the backdrop of cultural ownership and influence gives it resonance beyond politics.
I’m curious: do you see music and political stories intersecting more often now? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned for any developments on these stories.