Folk-pop star Noah Kahan and his co-writer Noah Levine have publicly demanded that the White House cease using their song "American Cars" after former President Donald Trump posted a social media video set to the track. The video showed Trump touring a General Motors test facility in Michigan and was shared by the official POTUS social media accounts on Monday, July 28th, 2026.

The use of the song prompted online users to tag the Grammy-nominated Kahan, known for his album "Stick Season," who responded directly in the comment section. According to Variety, Kahan wrote on Tuesday, July 29th, 2026, "Would never approve of my music being used in support of you or this administration." His co-writer Levine responded with profanity, stating, "You fat f---, this song isn’t for you."

This incident adds to a growing list of musicians who have objected to the White House's use of their music. In December 2025, pop star Sabrina Carpenter criticized the White House’s use of her song "Juno" in a video montage of ICE agents detaining illegal immigrants, calling the post "evil and disgusting." Similarly, singer Olivia Rodrigo objected to a White House and Department of Homeland Security post encouraging illegal immigrants to self-deport set to her song "All-American B----."

The controversy also recalls criticism from Nancy Sinatra over the use of her father's song "My Way" by the Trump administration.

Sources