By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Grammy-nominated singer Kesha has vocally condemned the White House for using her hit song “Blow” in a TikTok video featuring military strikes. She stated that the use of her music to “incite violence and threaten war” is “disgusting and inhumane,” asserting it is the opposite of her personal values. The White House, through its communications director, suggested that such controversies are intentional to drive engagement with their videos. Kesha later directly addressed the White House on X, calling them “perverts” for continuing to use her music.
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Pop star Kesha has firmly told the White House to cease and desist using her music, specifically her 2011 hit song “Blow,” to accompany a video featuring graphic military strikes. The song was featured in a White House TikTok video provocatively titled “Lethality,” which depicted an aircraft launching a missile at a ship, resulting in an explosion, alongside other scenes of military action.
Kesha made it clear on social media that she was informed of the White House’s use of her song and was deeply disturbed by its application to “incite violence and threaten war.” She expressed her strong disapproval, stating, “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. Love always trumps hate.” This statement underscored her personal values and her rejection of her art being co-opted for such purposes.
Further emphasizing her displeasure, Kesha directly addressed the White House on her X account, posting a blunt message: “Stop using my music, perverts @WhiteHouse.” This direct and unvarnished language reflects her frustration and her intent to draw a clear boundary, especially given the context of the video’s content. Her stance highlights a growing trend of artists asserting their rights and opinions on how their work is utilized, particularly in political contexts.
The situation brings to light a broader pattern of political figures, specifically Donald Trump and his administration, reportedly using popular music without permission. This isn’t an isolated incident; there are documented instances of various artists, including those with significant public profiles, urging the Trump campaign to stop using their songs at rallies and events. The implication is that such unauthorized use is not only a copyright infringement but also a violation of the artists’ intent and artistic integrity.
The choice of Kesha’s song for a video promoting military action is particularly jarring for some, especially considering her personal history. Having experienced a highly publicized legal battle involving sexual assault by her producer, which significantly impacted her career and financial stability, the use of her music in a context celebrating violence and destruction is seen as deeply ironic and offensive by many. This personal experience arguably informs her strong reaction and her commitment to not have her art associated with aggression.
The use of music by artists who do not align with the political message of the administration in power is a recurring theme. It suggests a disconnect and a lack of respect for artistic autonomy. Many artists, it appears, prefer their work to be associated with positive messages and will actively push back against its use in contexts that promote division or violence. This also points to a potential miscalculation by campaigns or political entities when they assume they can freely use any song they like, regardless of the artist’s known stance or public image.
The legal ramifications of using copyrighted music without permission are complex, but generally involve cease and desist orders and potential lawsuits. However, for powerful political figures, the sheer cost and time involved in pursuing legal action against them can be a significant deterrent for many artists. The administration’s alleged history of violating copyright laws, as noted by some, suggests a pattern of disregard for such legal boundaries.
The engagement of artists like Kesha in these public admonishments serves as a crucial reminder of their agency and their right to control their artistic output. Her directness in calling out the White House underscores a desire for accountability. The conversation surrounding these events also touches upon broader societal issues, including the portrayal of violence, the impact of political rhetoric, and the responsibility of public figures to use their platforms ethically.
Ultimately, Kesha’s firm stance against the White House’s use of her song “Blow” is a powerful statement about artistic integrity, personal values, and the right to control one’s creative expression. It highlights a critical intersection of music, politics, and personal conviction, where artists are increasingly using their voices to challenge the co-option of their work for purposes they do not endorse.