The White House responded with mockery after folk-pop singer Noah Kahan expressed outrage over the Trump administration’s use of his song "American Cars" to highlight American manufacturing.

On Monday, President Donald Trump posted a social media video featuring a tour of a General Motors test facility in Michigan, set to Kahan’s track "American Cars," with the caption "Made in America is BACK."

Following the post, users tagged Kahan online, leading him to comment directly on Instagram on Tuesday, stating, "Would never approve of my music being used in support of you or this administration." According to Variety, Levine, a co-writer of the song, responded with profanity, writing, "You fat f---, this song isn’t for you."

Rather than retreating, the White House mocked Kahan’s criticism, as first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Kaelan Dorr of the White House Office of Digital Strategy took to X (formerly Twitter) to jab at the singer, referencing "Trump Derangement Syndrome."

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between artists and political figures over the use of music in political messaging. The Grammy-nominated singer’s objection came amid a joint Instagram post from the White House and the official POTUS account featuring President Trump’s visit to the Michigan facility.

Sources