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White House accuses Noah Kahan of having “TDS” for criticising Donald Trump social media post
The White House has criticised singer-songwriter Noah Kahan after he objected to Donald Trump’s social-media account using his song ‘Stick Season’ in a video promoting immigration enforcement. Kahan said he had not authorised the use and condemned what he described as efforts to spread fear and division, while the White House dismissed his response as “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS).
The disputed video featured footage of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations alongside Kahan’s 2022 hit. Kahan said the song’s inclusion was misleading and inappropriate, particularly given his views on immigration policy; the White House responded by defending the video and saying it would continue highlighting deportations of people it described as criminal illegal aliens.
In short
- Noah Kahan condemned Trump’s use of ‘Stick Season’.
- The White House accused him of “Trump Derangement Syndrome”.
- The dispute centred on an immigration-enforcement video.
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The case for
The White House can argue that using a popular song in a government communication does not imply the artist endorses the message, and that the video draws attention to immigration enforcement the administration considers a public-safety priority. It may also contend that public figures should expect their work to circulate in political debate and that criticism of the video should address its claims and policy, rather than dismissing the administration’s motives.
The case against
Kahan can argue that pairing his song with enforcement footage gives it an apparent political meaning he neither chose nor authorised, potentially misleading viewers about his views. He may also say that using an artist’s work this way risks exploiting its emotional impact to promote a message he considers divisive, and that he is entitled to object publicly.
Explained simply
Noah Kahan is an American singer-songwriter who became well known following his 2022 hit 'Stick Season'. The song gained significant popularity, particularly among younger listeners in the United States, and he has been vocal about progressive political positions.
A video recently posted on Donald Trump's social media account featured Kahan's song playing over footage of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations enforcing immigration law. Kahan objected to the use of his music, stating he had not authorised it and that the video misrepresented his work by associating it with a message he does not support.
The White House defended the video and dismissed Kahan's criticism as "Trump Derangement Syndrome". The dispute reflects broader tensions over whether and how artists' work can be used in political contexts, and what rights creators have to control how their creations are deployed.