The controversy surrounding the White House’s use of Sabrina Carpenter’s song Juno has intensified as the singer continues to condemn the unauthorised political use of her work. The track, part of her 2024 album Short n’ Sweet, was included in a video montage showcasing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The video circulated widely online, prompting sharp criticism from both the artist and her supporters.
Carpenter stated unequivocally that the video was evil and disgusting, adding that neither she nor her music should ever be associated with what she described as inhumane policy messaging. Her remarks triggered widespread debate across social media, with many echoing concerns about political misuse of creative content.
The White House caption accompanying the video included the quoted lyric Have you ever tried this one? Bye-bye. Responding to the backlash, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson issued a statement asserting that the administration would never apologise for deporting dangerous criminal illegal murderers, rapists, and paedophiles. She further accused critics of defending such individuals.
Simultaneously, Kids Can Press — publisher of Franklin the Turtle — issued a condemnation after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a manipulated image showing the character aiming a bazooka at boats. The caption on the post read Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists. The publisher emphasised that Franklin is a Canadian cultural icon representing kindness, empathy, and inclusivity, and denounced any violent or degrading use of the character’s imagery.
Hegseth is also facing scrutiny over allegations that he ordered a second deadly strike on two survivors of a previous attack on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea in September. This has sparked demands for a formal investigation into potential war crimes.
This dispute adds to several previous incidents in which artists have objected to political use of their music. Kenny Loggins recently requested that his hit Danger Zone be removed from a Trump-related video featuring AI-generated imagery. Earlier in 2024, both Celine Dion and Beyoncé publicly criticised the use of their songs in political contexts without permission.
However, Trump does maintain support from some musicians. Victor Willis of the Village People has openly encouraged Trump’s continued use of YMCA during campaign rallies, even though other band members oppose it due to the song’s historical ties to the gay liberation movement.
A summary of the developing situation is provided below:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Song used | Juno by Sabrina Carpenter |
| Video contents | ICE raid montage |
| Artist’s complaint | Misuse in political messaging |
| White House stance | No apology for deportations |
| Related controversy | Violent image of Franklin the Turtle |