NEWS
It comes after Donald Trump‘s visit to General Motors’ flagship test site was soundtracked to Kahan’s single
Noah Kahan has criticised the Trump administration after it used his track ‘American Cars’ without receiving his approval.
The dispute began when the White House uploaded several Instagram images from Donald Trump’s trip to the General Motors flagship testing facility in Michigan, using Kahan’s song as the accompanying audio.
After discovering the post, Kahan responded directly in its comments, writing: “Would never approve of my music being used in support of you or this administration.”
Noah Levine, who helped Kahan write ‘American Cars’, also posted an angry response that read: “You fat fuck this song isn’t for you.” The music has now been taken off the Instagram upload, although it can still be heard in a TikTok version.
The White House has yet to comment publicly on the decision to use Kahan’s song.
The incident follows Katy Perry’s recent condemnation of the White House for placing her song ‘Firework’ over footage showing American military attacks on Iran.
The Trump administration uploaded the clip through the official White House TikTok page, combining scenes of military activity with Perry’s 2010 single. Its caption stated: “Iran has been warned.”
Perry responded through a statement on X, explaining that she was not contacted and had never authorised the use of her work.
“I am deeply appalled and angry to see ‘Firework’ used on the White House TikTok as a backing track for video footage of military strikes,” she wrote. “I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it.”
The singer also clarified the original purpose of ‘Firework’, saying it was created as an uplifting anthem for anyone going through challenging moments.
Ariana Grande similarly spoke against the White House last month after ‘Bye’ appeared in a video of ICE officers detaining individuals. She told officials not to connect her music with the “barbaric, inhumane” material.
Kesha also objected when ‘Blow’ appeared in a military clip. Meanwhile, Boards Of Canada and Warp Records denounced the unapproved inclusion of ‘Deep Time’ in footage containing border patrol vessels and detention facilities.
Sabrina Carpenter previously called an ICE video using ‘Juno’ “evil and disgusting”. Olivia Rodrigo also accused the administration of featuring her work to spread “racist, hateful propaganda”.
Other musicians and estates that have opposed Trump’s use of their music include The Rolling Stones, Adele, Neil Young, Jack White, ABBA, Céline Dion, Foo Fighters, Eddie Grant, and the estate of Isaac Hayes.
In other news, Kahan recently joked that Congress should intervene and require his concertgoers to wear diapers after reports emerged of fans defecating on venue floors.
