Noah Kahan and Katy Perry have publicly condemned the White House for using their songs in social media content without authorization. The dispute centers on the use of "American Cars" and "Firework" to accompany footage of political visits and military operations.
"American Cars" and the General Motors Michigan Visit
Noah Kahan expressed strong opposition after the White House featured his track "American Cars" in posts on Instagram and TikTok. As the report says, the content showcased President Trump visiting a General Motors facility in Michigan, using Kahan's music to set the tone for the visit. Kahan stated via social media that he would never approve of his work being used to support the current administration.
The backlash extended beyond the primary artist, as co-writer Noah Levine also used harsh language to denounce the unauthorized usage. This incident underscores a growing tension where artists feel their creative output is being weaponized for political messaging that contradicts their personal vales.
"Firework" as a Soundtrack for Iran Military Strikes
Katy Perry voiced similar outrage after the White House used her hit song "Firework" to accompany footage of military strikes on Iran. Perry described herself as "deeply appalled and angry," arguing that a song intended as an anthem for hope and healing should not be used to celebrate warfare. According to the source, Perry took to the platform X to declare the usage a complete violation of the song's purpose.
The White House shared this content on both TikTok and Instagram,though the audio was eventually disabled on the Instagram platform following the outcry. Perry specifically condemned the use of her intellectual property for propaganda purposes, highlighting the emotional disconnect between the art and its application.
From Bruce Springsteen to the RIAA's Copyright Push
The disuptes involving Noah Kahan and Katy Perry are part of a longer history of musicians resisting political co-option, echoing previous battles fought by artists like Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. These creators have long argued that their work should not be used to endorse political agendas they do not support. This struggle is not merely about preference but about the legal right to control the association of one's art with specific ideologies.
Industry bodies are now stepping in to provide a systemic defense. the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has been advocating for stronger protections to prevent the unauthorized use of copyrighted material by political entities. While government bodies often claim "fair use" when content is not monetized, the RIAA and various artists maintain that artistic integrity is compromised when songs are paired with opposing causes.
The White House's Silence and the "Fair Use" Defense
Despite the public protests from Noah Kahan and Katy Perry, the White House has not issued a formal response to the objections. this silence leaves several critical questions unanswered, most notably whether the administration's social media team believes that government communication inherently qualifies as fair use under copyright law . It remains unclear if the White House intends to establish a formal clearance process for future posts or if they will continue to rely on the removal of audio only after public backlash occurs.
Furthermore, the source reports only the artists' side of the conflict; the specific internal justification used by the White House to bypaass licensing for the General Motors and Iran footage has not been disclosed. This lack of transparency continues to fuel the friction between the administration and the creaitve community.
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