The unmistakable riff of seven nation army has been echoing through stadiums, protests, and playlists for over two decades. Originally released in 2003 by The White Stripes, the song has grown from a garage rock hit into one of the most recognizable anthems in the world.
And in 2025, as the track continues to thrive culturally, a separate political story is making headlines: former President Donald Trump’s demand that Microsoft fire its Global Affairs President, Lisa Monaco. These two narratives — one musical, one political — highlight how cultural symbols and power struggles often overlap in unexpected ways.
The Birth of a Modern Anthem
Jack White wrote “Seven Nation Army” in 2002, without realizing the song’s future impact. The opening riff, created with a guitar and a pitch-shifting pedal, sounds like a bass line but carries the punch of a stadium chant. Its hypnotic, descending pattern made it instantly memorable.
Released in 2003 as the lead single from Elephant, the song became an international success. It topped alternative charts, crossed into mainstream rock, and earned The White Stripes the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 2004. More importantly, it introduced a new kind of simplicity — one riff, a pounding beat, and raw energy.
Jack White once said he thought of the riff as something he’d use for a James Bond theme if he ever got the chance. Instead, it became the defining sound of a generation.
From Hit Song to Stadium Chant
Not long after its release, something unexpected happened. Soccer fans in Europe began chanting the riff during matches. The melody was simple enough for thousands of voices to hum in unison, even without lyrics. Belgian club Brugge fans were early adopters, but it was Italian fans who turned it into a global phenomenon.
During the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Italian supporters adopted the riff as their unofficial anthem. Every goal, every celebration, every gathering echoed with the familiar “Oh, oh, oh oh oh oh…” chant. When Italy won the tournament, the riff went worldwide.
Within a few years, seven nation army became a fixture at major sporting events. In the United States, it spread quickly to:
- NFL games, where fans used it to rally their teams.
- College football stadiums, where student sections made it a battle cry.
- Basketball arenas, adding intensity during clutch moments.
It wasn’t just a song anymore. It was a sound of unity, defiance, and collective energy.
Why “Seven Nation Army” Stuck
Few songs achieve the kind of cultural staying power that this one has. Several factors explain why the riff became timeless:
- Simplicity: Anyone can chant it. No lyrics required.
- Emotion: The descending notes carry tension and release, perfect for high-energy moments.
- Identity: It gives groups a shared sound — whether they’re sports fans, protesters, or concertgoers.
- Flexibility: It works in stadiums, political rallies, commercials, and even casual gatherings.
Jack White has often said how surreal it feels to hear thousands of people chant the riff in places far removed from Detroit, where it was written. What started as a guitar experiment became a global language.
A Song That Entered Politics
Because seven nation army became so public, it also entered political spaces. The chant has been heard at protests and political rallies around the world, often repurposed with new lyrics. But it’s also been at the center of legal disputes in the U.S.
In 2024, The White Stripes took legal action against Donald Trump’s campaign for using the song in a promotional video without permission. They argued that the campaign infringed on copyright and used the song in a context they didn’t support. The lawsuit was later dropped without prejudice, allowing for future legal action if needed.
This wasn’t the first time musicians have clashed with political campaigns over unauthorized music use. But because “Seven Nation Army” functions both as a recording and as a crowd chant, it raises complex questions: where does private artistic ownership end, and public cultural use begin?
For Jack White, protecting the song’s legacy remains a priority.
Trump vs. Microsoft: A Parallel Power Struggle
While “Seven Nation Army” continues to dominate stadiums and airwaves, another story is dominating the political and tech world. In late September 2025, Donald Trump publicly called for Microsoft to fire Lisa Monaco, the company’s President of Global Affairs.
Trump argued that Monaco’s previous role as Deputy Attorney General under the Biden administration and her revoked federal security clearances make her a national security risk. Monaco joined Microsoft in mid-2025, overseeing government relations and global policy. Her appointment immediately drew attention due to her extensive federal background.
In early October, two prosecutors with past ties to Monaco were dismissed from the Justice Department, heightening speculation that Trump’s demand is part of a broader restructuring of institutional power. So far, Microsoft has remained silent, carefully weighing its next move.
This situation is unfolding just as Microsoft deepens its partnerships with federal agencies. Any decision about Monaco’s future could have major business and political consequences.
Music and Power: Unexpected Intersections
At first, a classic rock anthem and a corporate-political dispute might seem unrelated. But both stories involve control and public influence.
- Jack White is asserting control over his song — a cultural artifact that has taken on a life of its own.
- Trump is asserting influence over a private company that plays a major role in national security infrastructure.
- Both stories unfold in public arenas, shaping perceptions through media, fandom, and political rhetoric.
They also share a symbolic layer. Just as fans transformed the riff into a chant of power, political actors try to shape narratives into tools of influence. Culture and politics constantly mirror each other.
Timeline: From Riff to Relevance
| Year/Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2003 | “Seven Nation Army” is released on Elephant. |
| 2004 | The song wins a Grammy for Best Rock Song. |
| 2006 | Italian fans adopt the riff during the FIFA World Cup, launching it worldwide. |
| 2010s | The chant becomes a fixture at U.S. sports and political rallies. |
| 2024 | White Stripes challenge Trump campaign’s unauthorized use of the song. |
| Mid-2025 | Lisa Monaco joins Microsoft as President of Global Affairs. |
| September 26, 2025 | Trump demands Microsoft fire Monaco, citing national security concerns. |
| October 2025 | Monaco controversy dominates tech and political headlines. |
Seven Nation Army’s Enduring Legacy
More than two decades after its release, seven nation army continues to hold incredible power. It’s more than just a rock song — it’s a sound that unites people. Whether it’s thousands of fans chanting in a packed stadium or protesters raising their voices in the streets, that unmistakable riff has become a shared language.
The song’s journey shows how a simple cultural creation can grow far beyond its original purpose, taking on new meanings with every chant, every crowd, and every moment it’s invoked.
Jack White’s determination to protect the song’s legacy is a reminder that even the most universal anthems still have creators who care deeply about how their work is used. And as the Trump–Microsoft–Monaco story unfolds, it’s clear that both cultural symbols and political power can shape public conversations in lasting, meaningful ways.
Closing Thoughts
The journey of seven nation army is extraordinary. It started as a guitar riff in Detroit, became a global chant, entered legal and political arenas, and still resonates as loudly as ever.
Meanwhile, the unfolding Monaco controversy shows that power struggles — whether artistic or political — often play out in the same public spaces. One is fought with music, the other with influence. Both leave a mark.
What does “Seven Nation Army” mean to you — a song, a chant, or something bigger? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.