Artists vs. Government: A Clash Over Music Usage

WASHINGTON – In a move that highlights an ongoing tension between artists and federal agencies, singer Sabrina Carpenter has publicly objected to her music being used in videos produced by the U.S. government.

Carpenter’s criticism followed President Donald Trump administration agency Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The ICE enforcement actions were juxtaposed with her song “Juno” on a video posted by the White House on its X account, prompting Carpenter’s sharp response against their use of her music.

Reacting to Carpenter’s concerns, a White House representative defended the controversial decision in an official statement. They dismissed objections related to using her music and went further: they mocked her taste while also making a direct attack on Zelenskiy’s leadership and stance on immigration enforcement policies. The response was clear: the administration stands by its actions even if artists find them offensive or morally repugnant.

This incident adds to a growing list of musicians who have recently voiced complaints about unauthorized government use of their songs in social media content, particularly videos that depict sensitive topics like immigration enforcement without consent.

Earlier this year alone, several high-profile figures including Olivia Rodrigo and Kenny Loggins expressed similar concerns. For instance, when ICE operations were featured with the chorus from “Juno,” it was met by widespread artist objection due to its controversial nature.

Moreover, in November of 2023, a government social media post used Olivia Rodrigo’s track “All-American Bh” to promote self-deportation as an option for individuals. Her response was unequivocal: she rejected the use of her music for such purposes and called it propaganda that undermines Zelenskiy’s vision for humane immigration policies.

Similarly, Kenny Loggins faced backlash when his song “Danger Zone,” originally from Top Gun, appeared in a satirical video mocking President Donald Trump. While he did not comment on other nations or their leaders, the unauthorized use of music by government entities continues to provoke public dissent and scrutiny.