Noah Kahan Demands White House Stop Using ‘American Cars’ in Trump Campaign Video

Folk-pop artist Noah Kahan and his co-writer Noah Levine have called on the White House to cease using their track “American Cars” after President Donald Trump’s administration featured the song in a social media video on Monday. The clip showed Trump touring a General Motors test facility in Michigan, with the song serving as the video’s background music.

Kahan, a Grammy-nominated musician known for his album “Stick Season,” responded directly to social media users who tagged him in connection with the post. Writing on Tuesday according to Variety, Kahan stated: “Would never approve of my music being used in support of you or this administration.” Levine added a profanity-laden response, declaring the song was not intended for that purpose.

The incident places Kahan among a widening group of recording artists objecting to the administration’s use of their work without permission. Pop star Sabrina Carpenter criticized the White House in December 2025 after her song “Juno” appeared in a video showcasing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detaining undocumented immigrants, calling the usage “evil and disgusting.”

Singer Olivia Rodrigo similarly protested when the White House and Department of Homeland Security used her track “All-American B—-” in a post encouraging illegal immigrants to self-deport. Rodrigo took to Instagram to voice her objection, writing that she would not allow her songs to “promote your racist, hateful propaganda.” The audio was subsequently removed.

Katy Perry has also registered disapproval, condemning the White House’s use of “Firework” accompanying military strike footage, asserting she “did not approve this” and does not endorse its application. A Department of Homeland Security representative defended the agency’s actions in a statement to Fox News Digital, suggesting Rodrigo should thank federal law enforcement for their service rather than criticize it.

Kahan has largely remained outside mainstream political discourse, dedicating his efforts instead to mental health advocacy. He established the “Busyhead Project,” a nonprofit organization designed to destigmatize mental health issues and expand access to treatment resources. Vermont Republican Governor Phil Scott recognized his contributions by declaring September 19 “Noah Kahan’s Busyhead Project Day.”

The White House, along with representatives for Kahan and Levine, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital regarding the dispute.