White House Sparks Outrage With Trump’s Use of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Juno” in ICE Video

The Trump administration used a hit pop song in a government propaganda video. They set footage of ICE agents detaining immigrants to Sabrina Carpenter’s track “Juno.” This happened on Monday via an official White House TikTok account.

The move has drawn immediate criticism. It mirrors past incidents where the administration used music without artist permission for political messaging.

From Concert Hall to Detention: How a Fan Moment Was Co-Opted

Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Juno” features a playful fan interaction during her concerts. She uses fuzzy pink handcuffs to “arrest” an audience member. This became a beloved signature of her “Short n’ Sweet” tour.

The White House video co-opts this lighthearted theme for a starkly different purpose. The clip first shows a protest against ICE raids. It then cuts to a montage of federal agents appearing to detain individuals.

The caption quoted Carpenter’s lyrics: “Have you ever tried this one? Bye-bye.” According to Rolling Stone, representatives for Carpenter did not immediately comment. It is unclear if permission was granted for the song’s use.

A Pattern of Controversial Music Use Sparks Legal and Ethical Questions

This is not an isolated event for the Trump administration. Last month, officials used Olivia Rodrigo’s “All-American Bitch” in a self-deportation video. Rodrigo publicly condemned the move, calling it “racist, hateful propaganda.”

Taylor Swift’s music has also been used in similar promotional material. This creates a clear pattern of leveraging pop culture against the artists’ expressed views. Many musicians have issued cease-and-desist letters to the former president’s campaigns.

The repeated action raises significant legal and ethical concerns. It pits an artist’s copyright control against a political entity’s messaging power. The backlash is often swift, but the practice continues.

The unauthorized use of popular music for government propaganda remains a volatile tactic. The Trump administration’s “Juno” video highlights the ongoing clash between political communication and artistic rights.

Thought you’d like to know

Which Sabrina Carpenter song did the White House use?

The video used her hit song “Juno.” This track is from her album “Short n’ Sweet” and features a famous fan-interaction moment during her live shows.

Have other artists’ songs been used this way?

Yes. The administration previously used music by Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift without permission. Multiple artists have objected to their work being used for political propaganda they disagree with.

Is it legal for the government to use these songs?

It often enters a legal gray area. While campaigns may obtain blanket licenses for venues, using a specific song in official propaganda may require direct permission, which artists frequently deny.

How did Sabrina Carpenter react?

As of the latest reports, Carpenter’s team has not issued a public statement. The news was first reported by Rolling Stone, which noted her representatives were contacted for comment.

Why does the administration use pop songs?

Analysts suggest it is an attempt to connect with younger audiences and inject energy into their messaging. However, it consistently backfires by angering the artists and their fan bases.