The White House has delivered a sarcastic, lyric-laden riposte to pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, after she fiercely criticised the Trump administration for featuring her music in a controversial video promoting immigration enforcement.
A Pun-Filled Retort from the White House
On Wednesday 3 December 2025, the official White House social media accounts posted a video montage showing individuals being chased, restrained, and arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The clip was soundtracked by a specific, repeated riff from Carpenter's hit song 'Juno', which references sex positions with the lyrics: "Have you ever tried this one?"
Carpenter responded swiftly on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, branding the video "evil and disgusting." She issued a direct demand: "Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda."
In a statement to The Independent, a White House spokesperson fired back with a pun on the title of Carpenter's recent tour and album: "Here’s a Short ‘n’ Sweet message for Sabrina Carpenter: we won’t apologise for deporting dangerous criminal illegal murderers, rapists, and paedophiles from our country. Anyone who would defend these sick monsters must be stupid, or is it slow?" The social media caption accompanying the video read: "Have you ever tried this one? Bye-bye," followed by a kissy-face emoji.
Artistic Intent vs. Political Messaging
The use of the song creates a stark contrast with its original context. During her recently concluded Short ‘n’ Sweet tour, Carpenter would perform a light-hearted skit during 'Juno', using pink prop handcuffs to playfully "arrest" a fan or celebrity in the crowd for "being too hot." The lyric in question is part of a segment where she would strike a pose mimicking a different sex position each night.
The White House's appropriation of the track has sparked significant backlash online, particularly on platforms like TikTok. Critics accused the administration of trivialising serious ICE operations and using an artist's work without consent. "Why are we creating Sabrina Carpenter edits to people’s lives being destroyed?" one user commented. Another stated, "Hey, just so you know, Sabrina made 'Juno' for people creating families, not ripping them apart." Others labelled the post as "embarrassing" and pure "rage bait."
A Growing Chorus of Artist Objections
Sabrina Carpenter is the latest in a string of major musicians to object to the Trump administration using their music. The incident echoes a similar controversy from just one month prior, in November 2025, when pop star Olivia Rodrigo lambasted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The DHS had posted an Instagram video promoting deportation efforts, soundtracked by Rodrigo's song "All-American Bitch." Rodrigo commented directly on the post, writing: "Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda," a comment that was later removed. Following the viral response, Instagram removed the soundtrack from the clip.
A DHS spokesperson later retorted: "America is grateful all the time for our federal law enforcement officers who keep us safe. We suggest Ms. Rodrigo thank them for their service, not belittle their sacrifice."
Carpenter and Rodrigo now join a notable list of artists including Jack White, Beyoncé, and the Rolling Stones, who have all previously objected to former President Donald Trump or his administration using their music without permission at rallies or in official communications.
