Why Sabrina Carpenter Criticized White Houses Juno ICE Raids Video

Pop star Sabrina Carpenter publicly denounced the Trump administration this week. The White House used her song “Juno” in a social media video. The clip featured ICE agents carrying out arrests of undocumented immigrants.

Carpenter called the video “evil and disgusting” in a direct response. She demanded her music not be used for what she termed an “inhumane agenda.” The incident echoes a similar controversy involving Olivia Rodrigo just weeks ago.

Artist Response and Official Reaction

Sabrina Carpenter issued her statement on the social media platform X. Her message was forceful and unambiguous. “Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda,” she wrote.

The White House responded with a sharp rebuttal. A spokesperson defended the administration’s immigration enforcement actions. The statement, provided to Rolling Stone, refused to apologize for deporting individuals convicted of serious crimes.

The song choice appeared intentionally provocative. During her recent tour, Carpenter playfully “arrested” an audience member with pink handcuffs during “Juno.” The White House video co-opts this playful theme for a starkly different message.

Legal Grey Area and Precedent

It is unclear if Carpenter authorized the song’s use. She likely did not, based on her furious reaction. The complex licensing rules for social media platforms may limit her ability to have it removed.

This situation is not isolated. Olivia Rodrigo recently condemned the Department of Homeland Security for using her song. That agency used “All-American Bitch” in a nearly identical ICE arrest video.

Rodrigo called it “racist, hateful propaganda.” Her public comment on the post was later deleted. The video, however, remains active on official channels.

Many artists have clashed with political figures over unauthorized music use. The legal pathways for removal are often murky. These incidents highlight ongoing tensions between creators and political messaging.

The dispute between Sabrina Carpenter and the White House underscores a growing cultural rift. Artists are forcefully rejecting the political use of their work. This particular song dispute reflects deeper debates over immigration and artistic autonomy.

Thought you’d like to know

What song did the White House use?

The video featured Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Juno” from her album ‘Short n’ Sweet’. The clip paired the upbeat pop track with footage of ICE enforcement actions.

How did Sabrina Carpenter respond?

She called the video “evil and disgusting” on social media. Carpenter explicitly told the White House not to use her music for its agenda.

Has this happened to other artists recently?

Yes. Olivia Rodrigo’s song was used by the Department of Homeland Security in a similar video weeks prior. Rodrigo also issued a strong public condemnation.

Can the artist have the video removed?

Copyright claims on official government social media accounts are complex. Music licensing for platforms like TikTok often makes removal difficult without the platform’s cooperation.

What was the White House’s defense?

A spokesperson said they would not apologize for deporting individuals convicted of serious crimes. The statement characterized the enforcement actions as targeting dangerous criminals.

Why was the song choice seen as pointed?

Carpenter uses pink handcuffs to playfully “arrest” a fan during live performances of “Juno”. The White House video repurposed this lighthearted theme for actual arrest footage.