The White House has once again drawn criticism for using a clip of singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter to promote U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite the performer’s prior objections.
Earlier this week, Carpenter publicly criticised the Trump administration’s “inhumane agenda” after her song Juno was featured in a promotional video. On Friday, 5 December, a new video surfaced online, this time incorporating a segment from Carpenter’s commercial appearance on Saturday Night Live.
In the original commercial, Carpenter is seen standing beside cast member Marcello Hernández. She playfully states, “I think I might need to arrest someone for being too hot,” prompting Hernández to reply, “I turn myself in,” after which Carpenter says, “You’re under arrest.” In the White House adaptation, the audio was manipulated to make it appear as though Carpenter was calling Hernández “illegal,” while footage of alleged undocumented immigrants being pursued and arrested was overlaid. The video included a caption stating: “PSA: If you’re a criminal illegal, you WILL be arrested & deported.”
Carpenter swiftly condemned the video, tweeting, “Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.” The video was subsequently removed from X but remains accessible on TikTok.
This is not an isolated incident. Other musicians, including Olivia Rodrigo, Addison Rae, Shakira, and Bad Bunny, have publicly spoken out against ICE raids and immigration enforcement measures under the Trump administration.
Carpenter’s music career continues to garner acclaim. Her song House Tour was ranked 34th in NME’s 50 Best Songs of 2025, highlighting her growing influence in contemporary pop music.
The controversy underscores the ongoing tension between artists and government agencies using creative work for political purposes without consent. Many performers have expressed concern that the manipulation of music and media in political messaging can misrepresent their intent and damage their public image.
| 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 use of Carpenter’s work has sparked renewed debate over artistic control, government messaging, and the ethical implications of repurposing entertainment media for political campaigns, particularly those involving sensitive immigration policies.
This incident highlights the broader discussion around consent and the responsibilities of governmental agencies when using cultural content, as well as the growing power of artists to challenge misappropriation publicly.