Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan publicly objected on July 29, 2026, after a video associated with the Trump White House used his song "American Cars," saying he "would never approve of my music being used in support of you or this administration."
Artist’s response
Kahan spoke up after users and news outlets flagged the White House post. Multiple outlets quoted his comment that he would not permit his music to be used to support the Trump administration, a line that has been widely repeated in coverage of the incident.
The singer’s fourth album, The Great Divide, includes "American Cars," and the track has been prominent on his summer tour. In the reporting reviewed, Kahan did not offer additional detail about any legal steps he or his representatives might take beyond that public rejection.
The post and what’s unclear
The White House posted a video titled "STANDING UP FOR AUTO WORKERS AND PUTTING AMERICA FIRST" on July 27 that links to social posts and video platforms showing the president’s appearance at an auto-industry facility. The post attracted attention because it used Kahan’s song as background audio.
Key questions remain unanswered in publicly available reporting: which account posted the clip (the White House’s official accounts, a presidential account, or a third-party account), whether a synchronization or master license was obtained, who — if anyone — cleared the music, and whether General Motors produced or supplied footage contained in the video. Those licensing and production details determine whether the use was authorized.
Statements, responses and next steps
As of the latest reports, neither the White House nor General Motors has issued an on-the-record statement about the placement of Kahan’s song or who authorized it. Kahan’s label and publisher also have not publicly confirmed any licensing action in the coverage reviewed.
Observers and rights experts say the next public steps to watch for are statements from the White House, GM or Kahan’s rights holders, or the appearance of a copyright or takedown notice on the social post — documents that would clarify whether the use was licensed or contested. If such records are produced, they will be decisive in showing whether the song was used with permission.
Sources reviewed
- Fox News: Pop star Noah Kahan fumes after Trump White House uses hit song 'American Cars' for GM video
- People.com: Noah Kahan Slams Trump Administration for Using Song ‘American Cars’ in Social Media Post: ‘Would Never Approve’
- WJLA: Noah Kahan says he'd 'never approve' White House using his music to support Trump
- The White House: STANDING UP FOR AUTO WORKERS AND PUTTING AMERICA FIRST
- Fox News: Pop star Noah Kahan fumes after Trump White House uses hit song 'American Cars' for GM video
- The Daily Beast: Singer Humiliates Trump After White House Uses His Song