A Video That Sparked Outrage (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
Washington – Pop singer Kesha voiced sharp disapproval after the White House featured her song “Blow” in a TikTok video highlighting military operations.[1][2]
A Video That Sparked Outrage
The official White House TikTok account uploaded the clip on February 10. Titled “Lethality,” the 30-second production displayed dramatic footage of a jet firing a missile at a ship, resulting in a massive explosion, alongside additional scenes of military might.[2]
The video quickly amassed over 1.9 million views. It arrived amid heightened tensions from recent U.S. military engagements, though officials framed it as a demonstration of capability.[2]
Kesha discovered the usage through fan notifications and promptly addressed it on social media.
Kesha’s Unfiltered Response
In an Instagram Story and X post, Kesha declared, “It’s come to my attention that the White House has used one of my songs on TikTok to incite violence and threaten war.”[1]
She elaborated that “trying to make light of war is disgusting and inhumane” and stressed, “I absolutely do NOT approve of my music being used to promote violence of any kind. This is the opposite of what I stand for.”[2] Kesha urged followers to prioritize love, adding, “Love always trumps hate.”
Her message peaked with a pointed accusation: “Also, don’t let this distract us from the fact that criminal predator Donald Trump appears in the [Epstein] Files over a million times.”[1]
White House Counters with Defiance
Administration officials dismissed the criticism with sarcasm. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Steven Cheung remarked that complaints from artists like Kesha only boosted visibility: “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.”[2]
Deputy Communications Director Kaelan Dorr likened the backlash to fuel for their efforts: “Kesha quotes are like Popeye’s Spinach to this team. Memes? They’ll continue. Winning? Will also continue.”[2] Kesha fired back directly, posting, “Stop using my music, perverts @WhiteHouse.”[2]
Artists Draw a Line in Politics
Kesha joined a growing list of musicians who have objected to their work appearing in political contexts tied to President Trump. Previous instances involved high-profile acts pushing back against unauthorized usage at rallies or online.[3]
The pattern underscores tensions between creative expression and political messaging. Artists often cite misalignment with their values, particularly on issues like violence and human rights.
- Olivia Rodrigo protested similar appropriations.
- The Rolling Stones issued cease-and-desist notices.
- Other performers have publicly distanced their catalogs from campaign events.
- Kesha’s case highlights social media’s role in amplifying disputes.
- Legal avenues remain available, though many opt for public statements first.
Key Takeaways
- The White House video used “Blow” without permission in footage of strikes, drawing 1.9 million views.
- Kesha condemned the move as promoting violence, opposite her message of love.
- Officials mocked the backlash, claiming it increased engagement.
This exchange reveals deepening divides where music serves as battleground between pop culture and power. Artists increasingly guard their art against unintended endorsements, forcing public figures to navigate licensing hurdles more carefully. What do you think of musicians clashing with political uses of their songs? Tell us in the comments.
