Kesha Condemns White House Use of Her Song in TikTok Video Promoting Military Strength
Los Angeles – Pop star Kesha has publicly criticized the White House for using her 2010 hit song “Blow” in a TikTok video showcasing military fighter jets and a simulated missile strike. The singer alleges the administration used her music without permission to promote a message of violence and war, a sentiment she vehemently opposes. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the use of artists’ work in political messaging, particularly without their consent.
The controversy began on February 10, 2026, when the White House’s official TikTok account posted a video compilation featuring fighter jets, culminating in footage of a missile hitting a ship. The video was captioned “Lethality 🔥🦅” and set to Kesha’s song “Blow.” According to USA Today, Kesha responded on March 2, 2026, expressing her outrage on social media. She stated that she “absolutely do[es] NOT approve of my music being used to promote violence of any kind,” and described the attempt to “make light of war” as “disgusting and inhumane.”
Kesha’s statement, shared on both Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), went on to emphasize her core values, stating, “Love always trumps hate. Please love yourself and each other in times like this.” She further characterized the White House’s actions as “a blatant disregard for human life and…an attack on all of our nervous systems.” The singer also drew attention to reports linking President Donald Trump to the files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, writing, “Also, don’t let this distract us from the fact that criminal predator Donald Trump appears in the Files over a million times.” This reference alludes to the extensive documentation of Trump’s connections to Epstein, as reported by HuffPost, stemming from the release of court documents related to the Epstein case.
White House Response and Broader Context
The White House’s response to Kesha’s criticism was dismissive and combative. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, in a post on X, stated, “All these ‘singers’ keep falling for this. This just gives us more attention and more view counts to our videos because people aim for to see what they’re bitching about. Thank you for your attention to this matter.” Kaelan Dorr, another member of the White House communications team, echoed this sentiment, writing on X that Kesha’s quotes were “like Popeye’s Spinach to this team,” implying her criticism was fueling their engagement. These responses, as reported by USA Today, demonstrate a clear lack of concern for the artist’s objections and a willingness to leverage controversy for publicity.
This incident is not isolated. Numerous artists have previously objected to the Trump administration’s use of their music at political rallies and events without permission. The practice raises legal and ethical questions regarding copyright and the right of artists to control how their work is used and associated with political ideologies. While copyright law generally allows for “fair use” of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism or parody, the White House’s use of “Blow” appears to fall outside these protections, as it was used to promote a specific political message – a display of military power – rather than for commentary or critique.
The TikTok Video and its Content
The TikTok video itself features a compilation of footage depicting military aircraft and a simulated missile strike. HuffPost notes that the ship targeted in the video appears to be a decommissioned U.S. Navy frigate that was intentionally sunk during a 2022 multinational warfare exercise involving Australian, Canadian, Malaysian, and American forces. This detail adds a layer of complexity to the situation, as the video does not depict an actual attack on a functioning vessel. However, the use of the imagery, coupled with the song “Blow” and the caption “Lethality,” still conveys a message of aggressive military strength.
The choice of “Blow” as the soundtrack is particularly noteworthy. Released in 2010, the song is known for its energetic beat and suggestive lyrics. Its juxtaposition with images of military conflict creates a jarring and unsettling effect, which Kesha clearly finds objectionable. The song’s original intent – a celebration of freedom and self-expression – is fundamentally at odds with the message of violence and aggression conveyed by the White House’s video.
Kesha’s Career and Advocacy
Kesha, born Kesha Sebert, rose to prominence in 2009 with the release of her debut single “TiK ToK,” which became a global hit. Throughout her career, she has been known for her outspoken personality and advocacy for social justice issues. She has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and has used her platform to raise awareness about issues such as body image and mental health. Her willingness to speak out against the White House’s actions aligns with her history of using her voice to advocate for her beliefs.
This incident underscores the growing tension between artists and political figures regarding the use of copyrighted material in political campaigns and messaging. As social media continues to play an increasingly important role in political discourse, it is likely that similar controversies will arise in the future. The legal and ethical implications of these situations will continue to be debated, and artists will likely become more assertive in protecting their rights and controlling how their work is used.
The White House has not issued any further statements regarding Kesha’s objections as of March 3, 2026. It remains to be seen whether the administration will remove the TikTok video or offer an apology to the singer. The situation is ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming days.
Key Takeaways:
- Kesha criticized the White House for using her song “Blow” in a TikTok video promoting military strength.
- The White House responded dismissively to Kesha’s criticism, claiming it generated more views for their video.
- The incident highlights the ongoing debate about artists’ rights and the use of copyrighted material in political messaging.
- The TikTok video featured footage of a simulated missile strike on a decommissioned U.S. Navy frigate.
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