The White House has escalated a public feud with pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, moving beyond using her music to now directly editing her words in a new, hard-line immigration video.
From Music to Mockery: The Edited SNL Clip
In a video titled "PSA: If you're a criminal illegal, you WILL be arrested and deported", officials used a clip from the singer's appearance on Saturday Night Live. The original quip, "I think I might have to arrest someone for being too hot," was altered, with the phrase "too hot" replaced by "illegal."
The edited clip shows Carpenter alongside SNL cast member Marcello Hernández, who extends his arms as if ready for handcuffs and says, "Well, I turn myself in." The footage then cuts to scenes of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting arrests, set to the track "I Get the Bag" by Gucci Mane.
A Feud Ignited by Unauthorised Music Use
This latest move follows a previous controversy earlier in the week. On Monday, the White House shared a video on X featuring Carpenter's chart-topping song 'Juno', with its lyrics "Have you ever tried this one?" soundtracking footage of ICE agents detaining undocumented migrants in Chicago and mocking protesters.
The 26-year-old artist, whose album Short n' Sweet topped the UK charts, responded forcefully, branding the administration's actions "evil and disgusting." She declared, "Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda."
White House Fires Back with Singer's Own Lyrics
The administration did not back down. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson issued a pointed retort that referenced Carpenter's tour and lyrics. "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," Jackson stated.
She added, "Anyone who would defend these sick monsters must be stupid, or is it slow?" – a direct lift from the singer's own track 'Manchild'.
Sabrina Carpenter now joins an extensive list of major artists who have objected to the unauthorised use of their music by Donald Trump and his administration. This roster includes iconic acts such as The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, and ABBA.
