Kesha Objects to White House's Use of "Blow" in Military Video

Singer Kesha has publicly expressed her objection to the White House's use of her song "Blow" in a military-themed video uploaded to its official TikTok account on February 10. Kesha stated her disapproval of her music being used to promote violence, a stance that follows similar instances where musicians have challenged the unauthorized use of their work by the Trump campaign and related entities.

Artist's Objection to "Lethality" Video

On February 10, the official White House TikTok account published a video titled "Lethality." The video depicted a military plane and a ship, with Kesha's song "Blow" playing in the background.

Kesha responded to the post on Monday, stating on social media that she "DOES NOT approve of [her] music being used to promote violence of any kind." She characterized the act as "disgusting and inhumane" and a "blatant disregard for human life."

Kesha asserted that the use of her music was contrary to her values and an "attack on all of our nervous systems." She also directed a message to the White House via social media, stating, "Stop using my music, perverts @WhiteHouse."

White House Communications Director Responds

Steven Cheung, the White House Communications Director, commented on Kesha's objection. Cheung stated that such complaints from artists often generate "more attention and more view counts" for their videos. Following his statement, Kesha's subsequent response tweet garnered significantly more views than Cheung's post.

Broader Context of Music Usage Disputes

This incident with Kesha follows previous objections from other musicians regarding the Trump campaign's use of their music without permission.

The estate of Isaac Hayes reached a settlement with the Trump campaign concerning the use of the song "Hold On, I’m Coming" at rallies, emphasizing the protection of intellectual property rights.

Radiohead previously issued a demand for the removal of their song "Let Down" from a promotional video for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which had been shared on accounts associated with the Trump administration, the White House, and the Department of Homeland Security.