Tate McRae may be known for her sharp lyrics about love and ambition, but the 21-year-old pop sensation has unexpectedly become part of a geopolitical TikTok moment. The White House has co-opted her breakout hit 'Greedy' for a social media video touting its border wall expansion — and taking a pointed swipe at the Great Wall of China in the process.
The official White House account posted a short clip featuring construction footage of the U.S.-Mexico border barrier, set to the pulsating beat of McRae’s chart-topping single. Text overlaid on the video reads: 'America’s Wall vs. China’s Wall,' with a side-by-side comparison that implies the U.S. version is more efficient. The caption doubles down on the jab, writing, 'Built by the best. Not the Great Wall. The Border Wall.'
It’s the latest move in a series of social-media-first tactics from the administration, which has increasingly embraced TikTok-ready content to push its immigration agenda. But roping in a certified pop banger — one that McRae wrote about emotional boundaries and self-respect — has raised eyebrows among fans and industry observers alike.
Artist Unlikely to Endorse Politics
McRae, who rose to fame as a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance before pivoting to music, has deliberately kept her public persona focused on artistry rather than politics. Her 2023 album Think Later and its hit 'Greedy' propelled her to global stardom, earning her a reputation for relatable, introspective songwriting. She has not commented on the White House’s use of her track, and neither her label nor management have issued statements.
The unlicensed use of a pop star’s music for political messaging isn’t new — artists from Rihanna to Tom Petty have fought against campaign appropriations of their songs. But TikTok, with its quick cuts and viral loops, makes such co-opting even easier. McRae’s song, which spends 29 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, is now unwittingly soundtracking a diplomatic broadside.
A Lesson in Viral Context Collapse
The irony isn’t lost on music fans: 'Greedy' is a deeply personal anthem about refusing to settle for less than you deserve in love — a far cry from concrete barriers and border policy. Yet in the fast-moving world of social media, context often breaks down. The song’s driving groove becomes pure mood music, stripped of its narrative meaning.
For McRae, the incident underscores the unpredictable power of a hit in the streaming age. She’s currently on tour supporting Think Later, playing sold-out shows across North America and Europe. Her music has been synced in everything from Netflix dramas to workout playlists — but a White House border wall reel is a first.
What’s Next for Tate McRae
McRae is expected to release new material later this year, and fans are watching closely to see if she addresses the situation — either directly or, more likely, through her art. For now, she remains focused on her live performances and growing her footprint as one of pop’s most compelling young voices.
Whether or not she chooses to engage with this unexpected political spotlight, one thing is clear: 'Greedy' has proven itself to be one of the most versatile — and viral — songs of the moment. Even if its new use case is something its creator never could have imagined.
