The White House has once again attracted criticism for employing a clip of singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter to promote U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite the performer’s explicit objections. The controversy reignites long-standing debates over consent, artistic control, and the politicisation of creative work.
Earlier this week, Carpenter publicly denounced what she described as the Trump administration’s “inhumane agenda” after her song Juno was featured in a promotional video without her approval. On Friday, 5 December, a new video emerged online, this time incorporating a segment from Carpenter’s commercial appearance on Saturday Night Live.
In the original commercial, Carpenter appears alongside cast member Marcello Hernández. Playfully, she says: “I think I might need to arrest someone for being too hot,” to which Hernández responds, “I turn myself in,” and Carpenter concludes, “You’re under arrest.” In the White House adaptation, the audio was edited to suggest Carpenter was labelling Hernández “illegal,” while images of alleged undocumented immigrants being pursued and detained were overlaid. The video featured a caption reading: “PSA: If you’re a criminal illegal, you WILL be arrested & deported.”
Carpenter quickly condemned the video, tweeting: “Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.” Although the clip was removed from X, it continues to circulate on TikTok, sparking further debate.
This is part of a broader trend. Other musicians, including Olivia Rodrigo, Addison Rae, Shakira, and Bad Bunny, have publicly criticised ICE operations and immigration enforcement measures during the Trump administration, citing concerns about human rights and the ethical use of creative content.
Carpenter’s artistic achievements continue to gain recognition. Her song House Tour was ranked thirty-fourth in NME’s 50 Best Songs of 2025, highlighting her growing influence in contemporary pop music.
| Musician | Song / Notable Work | Stance on ICE / Immigration Enforcement | Source of Criticism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sabrina Carpenter | Juno, House Tour | Condemned use of music in ICE promotion | White House video |
| Olivia Rodrigo | GUTS | Opposed ICE raids | Social media statements |
| Addison Rae | AR | Criticised ICE enforcement | Interviews, tweets |
| Shakira | Shakira Discography | Spoke against immigration crackdowns | Public statements |
| Bad Bunny | Un Verano Sin Ti | Vocal critic of ICE measures | Social media, press |
The repeated unauthorised use of Carpenter’s work has intensified discussions over artistic rights, government messaging, and the ethics of repurposing entertainment media for political purposes, particularly in sensitive areas such as immigration policy. Artists increasingly assert their right to publicly challenge misappropriation, highlighting the broader conversation about consent, responsibility, and the intersection of culture and politics.