White House Faces Backlash Over Music Use
Musicians including Noah Kahan and Katy Perry have publicly condemned the White House for using their songs in promotional videos.
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The White House has been criticised by musicians Noah Kahan, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande for using their songs in promotional videos without authorisation. The incidents have led to public statements from the artists condemning the use of their music in connection with political content and specific government actions.
Noah Kahan Objects to 'American Cars' Use
Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan has expressed his disapproval after his song 'American Cars' was featured in a White House promotional video. The video, shared on Instagram, included images of President Donald Trump during a visit to General Motors’ test site in Michigan. Following comments from fans, Kahan stated on the platform, "Would never approve of my music being used in support of you or this administration." Noah Levine, who co-wrote the song with Kahan, also commented that the song was not intended for President Trump.
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Other Artists Speak Out
Katy Perry criticised the White House for using her song 'Firework' in a TikTok video that featured footage of military strikes. Perry stated on X, "I am deeply appalled and angry to see Firework used on the White House TikTok account as a backing track for video footage of military strikes. I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it." She added that the song was intended as an anthem of hope and healing, and its use to soundtrack destruction was a violation of its message.
Ariana Grande also voiced her criticism after her song 'Bye' was used in a video depicting ICE agents detaining individuals. Grande reportedly told the administration not to use her music in relation to what she described as "barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense."
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Other artists, including Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo, have previously objected to their music being used in videos by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Over recent years, numerous musicians, such as The Rolling Stones, Adele, and Foo Fighters, have also publicly opposed their songs being used by the Trump administration.
Questions this report answers
+Which musicians have spoken out against the White House?
Noah Kahan, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande have all publicly condemned the White House for using their songs without permission. These artists criticised the association of their music with political content and specific government actions.
+What did Noah Kahan say about his song being used?
Noah Kahan stated he would never approve of his song 'American Cars' being used in support of President Trump or his administration. He made this clear after fans noticed the song in a White House promotional video on Instagram.
+Why did Katy Perry object to her song being used?
Katy Perry expressed anger that her song 'Firework' was used in a White House TikTok video featuring military strikes. She said the song was meant as an anthem of hope, not destruction, and she did not approve its use.
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