Noah Kahan Slams White House for Trump’s Use of His Song
WHO:
NY Post - Folk-pop star Noah Kahan and his co-writer.
Billboard - The White House and President Trump.
The Hollywood Reporter - Kaelan Dorr, deputy assistant to the president and deputy communications director.
WHAT:
Fox News - Kahan's co-writer responded to the criticism with profanity, stating, "You fat f---, this song isn’t for you."
Fox News - Kahan's song "Northern Attitude" has accumulated over 700 million streams.
Fox News - In November 2025, Olivia Rodrigo criticized the White House for using her song in a post encouraging illegal immigrants to self-deport.
NY Post - Kahan criticized the White House for using his music.
Billboard - Kahan's song "American Cars" was used in a video by the Trump administration.
The Hollywood Reporter - Kahan stated, “Would never approve of my music being used in support of you or this administration,” in response to the use of his song.
The Hollywood Reporter - Kahan's comment received nearly 50,000 likes.
WHERE:
The Hollywood Reporter - The video was posted on the POTUS and White House Instagram and TikTok accounts.
WHY:
Fox News - Kahan has largely focused on advocacy for mental health resources, founding the "Busyhead Project," which aims to end the stigma around mental health and improve access to resources.
The Hollywood Reporter - Kahan expressed his disapproval of the use of his music in support of President Trump and his administration.
HOW:
Fox News - Vermont Republican Gov. Phil Scott declared Sept. 19 "Noah Kahan's Busyhead Project Day" in recognition of Kahan's efforts.
The Hollywood Reporter - Kahan's song was included in the public Instagram or TikTok music libraries, allowing it to be used in social media videos without permission.
The Hollywood Reporter - Kaelan Dorr responded to Kahan's criticism on X, referencing Kahan’s song “Northern Attitude” and mentioning “Symptoms of TDS [Trump derangement syndrome].”
(UPDATED July 30, 2026 18:23 UTC)
Noah Kahan's song "Northern Attitude" has surpassed an impressive 700 million streams, while his co-writer recently responded to criticism with a profanity-laden remark, saying, "You fat f---, this song isn’t for you." Kahan, who has been a strong advocate for mental health resources through his "Busyhead Project," received recognition from Vermont Republican Governor Phil Scott, who declared September 19 "Noah Kahan's Busyhead Project Day." In a separate incident, Olivia Rodrigo criticized the White House for using her song in a post that encouraged illegal immigrants to self-deport.
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(UPDATED July 30, 2026 17:34 UTC)
Folk-pop star Noah Kahan has publicly criticized the White House for using his song "American Cars" in a video shared on the POTUS and White House Instagram and TikTok accounts. Kahan stated, “Would never approve of my music being used in support of you or this administration,” a comment that has garnered nearly 50,000 likes. In response, Kaelan Dorr, deputy assistant to the president, referenced Kahan's other song “Northern Attitude” on X, suggesting that Kahan's reaction reflects “Symptoms of TDS [Trump derangement syndrome].”