Noah Kahan Slams Trump’s Use of His Song, Vows He’d 'Never Approve'

Emerging as a prominent voice in contemporary folk-pop, Noah Kahan recently made headlines not only for his chart-topping music but also for a firm public stance against unauthorized political use of his work. The Vermont-born singer-songwriter, at 29 years old, directly addressed the controversial use of his song “American Cars” by former President Donald Trump’s administration on social media.

The incident came to light when Trump’s official Instagram featured Kahan’s track in posts promoting an event aimed at autoworkers in Michigan. Without hesitation, Kahan used the platform to dissociate himself from the political messaging, making it clear that he had not authorized the use of his music and would never support such an endorsement.

This declaration places Kahan among a growing roster of artists who have publicly contested the use of their music by political figures without permission. Notable musicians such as Celine Dion, Katy Perry, Kesha, and the late Tom Petty have similarly objected to their songs being deployed in political campaigns or statements, highlighting ongoing tensions between artists and political entities over intellectual property rights and personal values.

Aside from this dispute, Kahan’s career trajectory has been marked by remarkable achievements in recent months. Earlier this year, he secured his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart with his latest release, “The Great Divide.” The album quickly distinguished itself as one of the most significant releases of 2026, achieving the third-largest sales week of the year at the time of its launch.

“The Great Divide” follows Kahan’s breakthrough LP, “Stick Season,” which played a pivotal role in elevating him from modest venues to major stadium stages. The new album announcement in January was strategically timed with the release of the music video for its lead single during a high-profile broadcast at the 2026 Grammy Awards, further amplifying its visibility.

In a surprise move characteristic of today’s music marketing strategies, Kahan unveiled an extended edition of the album titled “The Great Divide: The Last of the Bugs” less than a day after the original release. This expanded collection added four additional tracks—“Lighthouse,” “Staying Still,” “A Few of Our Own,” and “Orbiter”—bringing the total to 21 songs and offering fans more insight into his evolving creative vision.

Currently, Kahan is actively engaged in a sold-out tour supporting “The Great Divide,” reinforcing his rising stature within the live music scene. A recent highlight includes a four-night residency at Boston’s iconic Fenway Park, where he not only drew enthusiastic audiences but was also honored with induction into the venue’s artist hall of fame, a testament to his growing influence.

While the unauthorized use of his music by a high-profile political figure underscores ongoing challenges for artists in protecting their artistic integrity, Kahan’s assertive response and continued commercial success reflect a new generation of musicians balancing creative milestones with proactive defense of their work. Details regarding any further legal or formal actions related to the incident remain limited at this time.