White House Responds to Sabrina Carpenter’s Criticism of ICE Video

Sabrina Carpenter has drawn the ire of the White House after condemning the use of her song “Juno” in a video featuring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The clip, viewed over 11 million times, showcases ICE operations and has sparked considerable controversy. Carpenter described the video as “evil and disgusting,” urging officials not to use her music for what she termed an “inhumane agenda,” in a post shared on X on December 2, 2025.

In a strong rebuttal, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated that the administration would not apologize for its actions. “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 asserted in a statement to Fox News Digital and The Washington Post. She further criticized those who defend individuals targeted by ICE, implying a lack of intelligence or understanding.

The video in question creatively incorporated Carpenter’s track while depicting agents apprehending suspected undocumented individuals. The White House captioned the post with a provocative “Have you ever tried this one? Bye-bye.” Carpenter has been known to incorporate theatrical elements into her performances, including “arresting” audience members during her recent Short n’ Sweet Tour, where she playfully handcuffed concertgoers in cities such as Toronto.

Carpenter’s response resonated with many, garnering 1.2 million likes on X. However, reactions were mixed. Some users criticized her for previous artistic choices, such as filming a music video for her song “Feather” inside a church. Others defended her stance, emphasizing the need for artists to use their platforms to advocate for marginalized groups. One user commented, “It’s not inhumane for those who don’t belong here to go home,” while another praised Carpenter for her charitable efforts.

This incident is not an isolated one; musical artists have frequently voiced their discontent with how the Trump administration has utilized their music. In October 2025, singer Kenny Loggins requested that his song “Danger Zone” be removed from a controversial AI-generated video depicting Trump in a mock fighter jet. Loggins expressed dismay at the divisive message of the video, stating, “I can’t imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us.”

Similarly, singer Olivia Rodrigo condemned the use of her song “All-American Bitch” in a Department of Homeland Security video aimed at urging undocumented immigrants to self-deport. She responded on Instagram, “Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda,” highlighting the ongoing tension between artists and the administration.

Even the band Semisonic expressed their disapproval when their song “Closing Time” was featured in a video showing arrests related to immigration enforcement. They stated, “We did not authorize or condone the White House’s use of our song in any way. And no, they didn’t ask.” The band emphasized that their song is about “joy and possibilities and hope,” suggesting a disconnect between their message and the video’s context.

Numerous other prominent artists, including ABBA, Bruce Springsteen, and Rihanna, have similarly objected to the administration’s use of their music to promote policies they find objectionable. Despite the backlash, the White House appears undeterred, continuing to leverage popular music in its messaging.

As the debate unfolds, it remains evident that the intersection of art and politics will continue to provoke strong reactions from both artists and the public alike.