Pop star Kesha has publicly condemned the use of her song “Blow” in a TikTok video posted by the White House, accusing the administration of using her music to “incite violence and threaten war.” The controversy centers around a video featuring military fighter jets launching a missile, set to Kesha’s 2010 hit, and has sparked a broader conversation about the use of artists’ work in political messaging without their consent. This incident highlights a growing trend of political figures utilizing popular music on social media, often leading to clashes with the musicians themselves regarding their artistic intent and political views.
The White House’s TikTok account posted the video compilation on February 10, 2026, captioning it “Lethality 🔥🦅.” Kesha responded on March 2, 2026, expressing her outrage on social media. “Trying to make light of war is disgusting and inhumane,” she wrote. “I absolutely do NOT approve of my music being used to promote violence of any kind.” She further emphasized her opposition to the use of her work, stating, “Love always trumps hate. Please love yourself and each other in times like this. This present of blatant disregard for human life and quite frankly this attack on all of our nervous systems is the opposite of what I stand for.”
White House Responds to Criticism
The White House’s response to Kesha’s criticism was dismissive, with White House Communications Director Steven Cheung stating on X (formerly Twitter) that these types of reactions “just gives us more attention and more view counts to our videos because people desire to observe what they’re bitching about.” Cheung added, “Thank you for your attention to this matter.” Kaelan Dorr, another member of the White House communications team, echoed this sentiment, writing on X that Kesha’s quotes were “like Popeye’s Spinach to this team” and that “Winning? Will similarly continue.”
All these “singers” keep falling for this. This just gives us more attention and more view counts to our videos because people want to see what they’re bitching about. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
— Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung) March 3, 2026
Kesha’s protest is not an isolated incident. Numerous artists have previously objected to the Trump administration’s use of their music, including The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, and Rihanna. These objections often stem from a disagreement with the administration’s policies or a desire to maintain control over how their art is perceived and used politically. As reported by HuffPost, Kesha also referenced mentions of Donald Trump in the Department of Justice’s files on Jeffrey Epstein, writing, “Also, don’t let this distract us from the fact that criminal predator Donald Trump appears in the Files over a million times.”
The Legal Landscape of Music and Political Use
The legal complexities surrounding the use of copyrighted music in political campaigns and by government entities are significant. While there isn’t a blanket prohibition, using a song without permission can lead to copyright infringement claims. However, legal experts note that fair use doctrines and political speech considerations can complicate these cases. Generally, obtaining a license from the copyright holder is required for any commercial or public use of a musical work. The White House’s use of “Blow” on TikTok, without apparent licensing, has reignited debate about these boundaries.
The incident also raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of political actors when utilizing art created by others. Artists often have strong personal and political beliefs, and using their work in a way that contradicts those beliefs can be seen as exploitative and disrespectful. The White House’s dismissive response to Kesha’s concerns has further fueled this criticism.
Impact and Ongoing Debate
Kesha’s vocal opposition has resonated with fans and fellow artists, sparking a wider discussion about the intersection of music, politics, and artistic control. The incident underscores the power of music as a cultural force and the importance of artists having agency over how their work is used and interpreted. USA Today reports that Kesha’s statement has been widely shared and praised on social media, with many users expressing support for her stance.
The use of music in political messaging is likely to continue, particularly as social media platforms develop into increasingly central to political discourse. This case serves as a reminder of the potential for conflict and the require for greater respect for artists’ rights and creative expression. The debate over the White House’s use of Kesha’s song is a microcosm of a larger struggle over the control and meaning of culture in the political arena.
The White House has not indicated any intention to remove the TikTok video or apologize to Kesha. The next step will likely involve further discussion among legal experts regarding potential copyright claims and the broader implications for the use of music in political campaigns. Readers seeking support related to political stress or conflict are encouraged to reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741 or visiting https://www.crisistextline.org/.
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