Kesha Slams White House for TikTok Clip Using Her Music To Promote Violence and War
Kesha has become the latest high-profile musician to voice a strong objection against the Trump administration’s unauthorized use of her music for promotional purposes. The singer took to social media on Monday to condemn a White House TikTok video that featured her 2010 track Blow to soundtrack military footage.
The video in question displays bomber jets maneuvering through the sky, culminating in a strike on a naval vessel timed specifically to the song’s hook. The official White House account shared the clip with the caption Lethality, accompanied by fire and eagle emojis, sparking an immediate backlash from the artist.
Kesha expressed her deep discomfort with the association, stating that it had come to her attention that her work was being used to incite violence and threaten war. She further described the attempt to trivialize conflict as disgusting and inhumane, emphasizing that she does not approve of her art being used for such ends.
— kesha (@KeshaRose) March 2, 2026
In her public statement, the singer urged her followers to prioritize compassion over conflict, remarking that love always trumps hate. She characterized the government’s use of the song as a blatant disregard for human life and an assault on the collective nervous system.
The singer also used the platform to address broader political concerns, specifically referencing the ongoing discourse surrounding the Epstein files. She concluded her remarks by stating that the public should not let the musical dispute distract from reports involving the President within those documents.
This confrontation occurs amidst a period of significant international tension, following the initiation of military actions involving Iran over the previous weekend. The administration has categorized these recent operations as a massive and ongoing campaign, further heightening the sensitivity of military-themed social media content.
Kesha is not the only artist to find her intellectual property at the center of a political firestorm. Just last week, members of Radiohead issued a sharp demand for the removal of their music after a government organization utilized a version of their song Let Down for a promotional post.
Industry observers have noted a recurring pattern where the administration appears to select tracks from artists known for their opposing political views. Performers such as Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and SZA have all previously voiced objections to their music appearing in videos related to border and immigration policies.
Despite these vocal protests, many artists find they have limited legal options to force the removal of such content. Current licensing agreements on major social media platforms often create a complex environment where the government can utilize popular tracks despite the creators’ public disapproval.
Outside of this recent controversy, Kesha has been focused on her career as an independent artist following the launch of her own record label, Kesha Records. The singer is also preparing for a series of high-profile festival appearances throughout the spring and summer of this year.
As she continues to navigate the complexities of the modern music industry, Kesha remains a vocal advocate for artists’ rights and creative control. Her stand against the unauthorized use of Blow serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between political messaging and the intentions of the musicians who soundtrack the modern era.
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