The White House has found itself at the center of controversy once again, after pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter criticized the administration for using one of her songs in a video that she described as promoting an "inhumane agenda."
The pop star, known for her hits and social media presence, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her outrage over the unapproved use of her music.
Sabrina Carpenter Speaks Out Against the White House Video
The drama began on Tuesday when the White House posted a video featuring Carpenter's song "Juno" playing in the background.
The video showed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents making arrests. Carpenter, 26, did not mince words when condemning the video and its message.
In a post on X, she wrote: “This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”
Carpenter’s strong words quickly gained traction, as fans and followers rallied behind her in support.
White House Responds to the Backlash
Despite the public outcry, the White House stood firm on its decision to use the song, defending the video’s content.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson issued a blunt response, telling Newsweek: “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.”
Jackson went on to criticize the singer's stance, citing Carpenter’s lyrics from her own song 'Man Child,' where she sings, “Is it stupid, or is it slow?”
Jackson added: “Anyone who would defend these sick monsters must be stupid, or is it slow?”
The White House and Its History of Song Backlash
Carpenter is not the first artist to voice frustration over the White House's use of their music. In July, British pop star Jess Glynne also called out the administration for using her song 'Hold My Hand' in a promotional video.
The video, posted by the White House, showed multiple people in handcuffs being escorted onto flights by ICE agents, with the tagline: “When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. Nothing beats it!”
The clip, which was part of a social media trend, quickly amassed over 12 million views, but it didn’t sit well with Glynne.
She responded on Instagram, saying: “This post honestly makes me sick. My music is about love, unity, and spreading positivity – never about division or hate.”
Celebrity Backlash Continues
Glynne was not alone in her criticism. Actress Zoe Lister, who voiced the Jet2 holiday commercial that accompanied Glynne’s song, also spoke out against the White House’s use of the audio.
Lister tweeted: “What can be done about @whitehouse using @jet2pics sound and my voiceover to promote their nasty agenda?”
Other artists have joined in the protest as well, including high-profile names like ABBA, Bruce Springsteen, Olivia Rodrigo, Neil Young, Guns N’ Roses, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Adele.
These musicians have all made their feelings known about the administration’s use of their music in promoting its policies.