Pop star Sabrina Carpenter is the latest musician to clash with the White House over the unauthorized use of her music, this time in a widely criticized video celebrating ICE raids. The 26-year-old singer publicly denounced the video after it paired the viral chorus of her hit “Juno” with footage of people being tackled, handcuffed and detained by federal agents.
The White House, under President Donald Trump, responded with a pointed and openly antagonistic statement when contacted for comment.
“Here’s a Short n’ Sweet message for Sabrina Carpenter: we won’t apologize for deporting dangerous criminal illegal murderers, rapists and pedophiles from our country,” Abigail Jackson said, invoking the title of Carpenter’s latest album. The official went on to quote lyrics from her song “Manchild,” adding, “Anyone who would defend these sick monsters must be stupid, or is it slow?”
Carpenter, who rose to global fame on the strength of queer-adored pop anthems and a dedicated LGBTQ+ fanbase, did not mince words in her reaction to the video. “This video is evil and disgusting,” she wrote on X. “Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”
Representatives for Carpenter did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A Pattern of Pop Music Co-Opted for Politics
This is only the most recent instance of the Trump administration using popular music—particularly by artists who oppose his policies—in social media posts that promote the president or spotlight controversial government actions.
Just weeks earlier, the White House featured music by Taylor Swift, one of Carpenter’s closest collaborators, in a pro-Trump TikTok video. The use of Swift’s track came despite years of public tension between the pop superstar and the president. Swift did not publicly comment on that incident, but other artists have been vocal in their objections.
The practice has triggered frustration across the music industry. In October, singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins condemned an AI-generated video that used his iconic song “Danger Zone” alongside imagery of Trump flying a fighter jet labeled “King Trump” and dumping a brown substance on protesters. Loggins demanded the video be removed, writing, “I can’t imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us.”
Other performers who have spoken out include Pharrell, Adele, Rihanna, the Rolling Stones, Panic! at the Disco, Queen, R.E.M., Guns N’ Roses, Linkin Park and the families of Tom Petty, George Harrison, Laura Branigan and Prince. Despite their objections, Trump has continued to play many of their songs at rallies and official events.
Artists Push Back as Election Nears
The latest controversy underscores a growing tension between the White House and artists whose work is being used without permission, particularly when paired with political messaging that clashes with their values or their audience’s.
Carpenter, who has long been embraced by LGBTQ+ fans for her outspoken humor and inclusive pop persona, made clear that she does not want her music used to support policies she believes harm marginalized communities.
Her condemnation also arrives amid heightened concern from LGBTQ+ activists about the administration’s immigration, policing and civil rights policies. As election season approaches, the dispute raises broader questions about consent, political messaging and the ethics of repurposing popular music for partisan propaganda.
For now, the White House shows no signs of backing down, and neither do the artists pushing back.
