Folk-pop artist Noah Kahan and his co-writer have called on the White House to stop using their song "American Cars" after it was featured in a social media video of President Donald Trump touring a General Motors test facility in Michigan. The video was posted Monday on the White House and official POTUS social media accounts.
Kahan, known for his album "Stick Season," directly responded to users who tagged him in the video's comments. According to Variety, Kahan stated Tuesday, "Would never approve of my music being used in support of you or this administration." His co-writer, Noah Levine, reportedly used stronger language, writing, "You fat f---, this song isn’t for you."
This incident adds to a pattern of musicians objecting to the White House's use of their songs. In December 2025, pop singer Sabrina Carpenter criticized the White House for using her song "Juno" in a video montage of ICE agents detaining undocumented immigrants, calling the post "evil and disgusting."
Similarly, Olivia Rodrigo objected to a post from the White House and the Department of Homeland Security that encouraged undocumented immigrants to self-deport, set to her song "All-American B----." Rodrigo expressed her outrage on Instagram, stating, "Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda." The audio was later removed from the post.
Katy Perry also condemned the White House's use of her song "Firework" over footage of military strikes, writing that she had not approved the usage and did not condone it.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security responded to Rodrigo's criticism earlier this year, referencing her lyrics and stating, "America is grateful all the time for our federal law enforcement officers who keep us safe. We suggest Ms. Rodrigo thank them for their service, not belittle their sacrifice."
Kahan has generally avoided national political controversies, focusing instead on advocacy for mental health resources through his "Busyhead Project." The organization is described on its website as a non-profit aiming to end mental health stigma and improve access to resources. In recognition of his work, Vermont Governor Phil Scott declared September 19 "Noah Kahan's Busyhead Project Day."
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House, Kahan, and Levine for comment but had not received an immediate response.