Noah Kahan rejects White House use of ‘American Cars’
Noah Kahan said he would not approve his song “American Cars” being used in a White House post showing Trump in Michigan.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
3 min read
Noah Kahan’s “American Cars” has become the latest pop song at the center of a White House social media fight, after the singer objected to its use in a post featuring President Donald Trump.
Variety reported that the White House used the track in an Instagram post published Monday, showing images from Trump’s visit to General Motors’ flagship test site in Michigan. After fans tagged Kahan in the comments, the musician responded Tuesday afternoon.
“Would never approve of my music being used in support of you or this administration,” Kahan wrote, according to Variety.
What did Noah Kahan say about the White House post?
Kahan said he did not approve of his music being used to back the White House or the Trump administration. His comment was posted after fans alerted him to the Instagram post, Variety reported.
The song also appeared in a White House TikTok post, according to Variety. The outlet reported that the audio seemed to have been disabled on Instagram, while it remained attached to the TikTok version.
“American Cars” was co-written by Kahan and Noah Levine. Levine also commented on the Instagram post with a sharper message aimed at Trump, writing, “You fat fuck this song isn’t for you,” according to Variety.
Representatives for Kahan and the White House did not immediately respond to Variety’s request for comment.
Why are artists objecting to White House music posts?
Musicians often push back when a campaign, politician or government account uses a song in a way they say suggests support. In this case, Kahan’s objection was direct: he said he would not approve the song being used in support of Trump or the administration.
Variety reported that Kahan is part of a broader run of artists criticizing White House social media posts that use their music. The disputes have played out mostly on Instagram, TikTok and X, where artists can respond publicly and quickly when fans flag the clips.
Over the weekend, Katy Perry criticized the administration after her 2010 song “Firework” was used in a TikTok post that included footage of military strikes, Variety reported. Perry wrote on X that she was “deeply appalled and angry” to see the song used that way, adding that she was not asked, did not approve it and did not condone it.
In June, Ariana Grande made a similar objection after the White House used a version of her 2024 track “Bye” in a TikTok video that showed ICE agents arresting and handcuffing people, according to Variety.
Variety also listed Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Celine Dion, Neil Young and the Rolling Stones among artists who have criticized Trump for using their songs.
Kahan’s objection adds another name to that list, and another social media post to the growing clash between the White House’s video team and musicians who say their work is being used without their blessing.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.