LOS ANGELES — Kesha is not mincing words regarding the White House’s social media strategy. After her dance-pop anthem was overlaid with footage of U.S. fighter jets, the singer-songwriter accused the administration of using her art to “incite violence” and “threaten war.”
1. The TikTok Controversy
The video in question, posted by the official White House account on February 10, 2026, featured the following:
- Visuals: A high-octane montage of U.S. aircraft and military strikes.
- Caption: A single word: “Lethality.”
- Audio: The chorus of Kesha’s song “Blow,” featuring the lyrics: “This place about to blow… Now what? We’re taking control.”
In her response, Kesha stated: “Trying to make light of war is disgusting and inhumane. I absolutely do NOT approve of my music being used to promote violence of any kind.”
2. Personal Jabs and Political Rhetoric
Kesha’s statement went beyond the copyright dispute, taking direct aim at President Trump’s character:
- “Love Trumps Hate”: She urged fans to choose compassion over aggression, calling the video an “attack on all of our nervous systems.”
- Epstein Files Reference: In a provocative addition, she referenced the unsealed Epstein documents, stating: “Don’t let this distract us from the fact that criminal predator Donald Trump appears in the files over a million times.”
3. A Trend of Non-Consensual Use
The Trump administration has faced a wave of similar backlash since late 2025. Other high-profile artists who have publicly denounced the use of their music in government videos include:
| Artist | Song Used | Context of Government Video |
| Sabrina Carpenter | “Juno” | ICE officers detaining and arresting individuals. |
| SZA | “Big Boys” | Promoting immigration and border enforcement. |
| Olivia Rodrigo | “All-American Bitch” | DHS video urging “self-deportation.” |
| Celine Dion | “My Heart Will Go On” | Campaign rally usage. |
| MGMT | “Little Dark Age” | ICE detention footage (Takedown succeeded). |
Legal Standing for Artists
While political campaigns often rely on blanket licenses from organizations like ASCAP and BMI to play music at rallies, the rules for social media “reels” or advertisements (TikTok, X, Instagram) are stricter.
- Synchronization (Synch) Licenses: Using a song as a background for a video typically requires a “synch” license from the publisher and a “master use” license from the record label.
- Right of Publicity: Experts suggest Kesha may have a legal pathway to sue for “false endorsement,” arguing that the White House is misappropriating her persona to suggest she supports the war effort.