American pop star Ariana Grande has demanded that the Trump administration refrain from using her music to endorse its policies. This request came after the White House shared a TikTok video featuring its immigration policy, showcasing federal agents detaining individuals, set to Grande’s 2024 song “Bye.”
Expressing her disapproval, Grande left a comment on the video, labeling the use of her music in connection with what she described as “barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense.” In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the video, highlighting the actions of criminal illegal aliens who have harmed innocent American citizens.
A source close to Grande mentioned that her team is actively exploring ways to remove her music from the video promptly. Grande, known for her music and Academy Award-nominated acting, had previously criticized the administration on social media, questioning the impact of Trump’s presidency on people’s lives.
This incident is not the first time artists have objected to their music being used without authorization by the Trump administration. Notable musicians like Neil Young, John Fogerty, Phil Collins, Panic! At The Disco, and the estates of Leonard Cohen, Tom Petty, and Prince have all expressed their disapproval and taken legal action to prevent such usage.
President Trump, currently serving his second non-consecutive term, frequently utilizes popular songs in short social media videos to highlight his administration’s actions, including immigration policies, military operations, and international relations.
This ongoing issue underscores the tension between artists and political campaigns over the unauthorized use of music for promotional purposes.
