Olivia Rodrigo Was ‘Enraged’ at Trump’s White House for Using Her Song to Promote ICE: ‘What They’re Doing Is Awful, Barbaric and Cruel’

Olivia Rodrigo has expressed fury after discovering that her track "All-American Bitch" was used by the Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a propaganda video promoting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations. The 22-year-old singer, who shot to fame with her 2021 debut album "Sour"—a record that broke streaming records and won three Grammy Awards—said in a recent interview with Dazed magazine that she came across the clip while scrolling through her phone last autumn. "It was so deeply disturbing to see that propaganda, and the fact it was my song in there made me feel even more enraged," she stated. The DHS video, uploaded on November 4, showed ICE agents detaining people of color, with the opening track from Rodrigo's 2023 sophomore album "Guts" playing in the background. The department accompanied it with a stark warning: "LEAVE NOW and self-deport using the CBP Home app. If you don't, you will face the consequences." This incident has sparked renewed debate about the ethical use of music in political messaging. Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a music industry law professor at UCLA, commented that "artists often have little control once their work enters the public sphere, especially when government entities are involved." The DHS, which oversees national security and immigration enforcement, has faced criticism for its handling of deportation policies, with advocacy groups arguing that such videos can fuel xenophobia. Rodrigo's reaction highlights the tension between artistic expression and political appropriation, a conflict that has become more common in the digital age.

Rodrigo did not hold back in her criticism, describing the administration's actions as "awful and barbaric and cruel." She added, "I am really sad to be in a country that thinks that's okay." The lyrics playing in the background—"All the time, I'm grateful all the time, I'm sexy and I'm kind, I'm pretty when I cry"—stood in stark contrast to the video's divisive message. Rodrigo initially responded directly on social media, writing, "Don't ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda." This incident is part of a broader pattern: the DHS also used Sabrina Carpenter's "Juno" in a pro-ICE video last December, prompting Carpenter to call it "evil and disgusting" and demand that her music not be co-opted for what she described as an "inhumane agenda." Rodrigo, whose 2023 album "Guts" debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and included hits like "Vampire" and "Bad Idea Right?," has consistently used her platform to advocate for social justice causes, including reproductive rights and climate action. The use of music in political propaganda is not new; during the 1980s, Ronald Reagan's campaign famously used Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." without permission, despite the song's anti-war themes. Such cases often lead to legal disputes, but artists face challenges in enforcing their rights, especially when government agencies claim immunity under sovereign immunity laws.

Rodrigo is not alone in pushing back against unauthorized use of music by political entities. Kenny Loggins, known for his 1980s hit "Danger Zone," made headlines last October after the White House used his song in a video depicting former President Trump flying over protesters and dropping excrement on them. "This is an unauthorized use of my performance of 'Danger Zone.' Nobody asked me for my permission, which I would have denied," Loggins said in a statement to Variety. He added, "I can't imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us. Too many people are trying to tear us apart, and we need to find new ways to come together." Music rights experts note that such unauthorized uses often violate copyright laws, though enforcement can be complex when government entities are involved. For example, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) offers some protections for artists, but federal agencies may claim sovereign immunity in certain cases. Rodrigo's full interview with Dazed is available online, and her upcoming third studio album, "You Look Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love," is set for release on June 12, marking a new phase in her career. This album is highly anticipated, following the critical and commercial success of her previous works, and fans are eager to see how she continues to blend personal storytelling with broader social commentary. The controversy also underscores a growing trend of artists asserting control over their music, with many including explicit clauses in contracts to prevent political use.