Sabrina Carpenter’s hit song “Juno” has been at the center of attention following its use in a recent White House TikTok video. The video showcased a protest against ICE raids while featuring Carpenter’s catchy track. This unexpected pairing has raised questions about permission and appropriateness in the realm of music usage.
Background on Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Juno’
During her Short ‘n Sweet tour, Carpenter would often incorporate a playful segment where she “arrested” a fan or celebrity, using fuzzy pink handcuffs. This performance of “Juno” became a highlight of her concerts, delighting audiences across more than 70 shows before the tour concluded in November.
White House Usage of ‘Juno’
Recently, the White House has used “Juno” as a soundtrack for a TikTok video aimed at drawing attention to the actions of ICE agents. The video presented a montage of protests against raids, followed by clips of agents detaining undocumented immigrants. In an ironic twist, the White House captioned the video with Carpenter’s lyrics, “Have you ever tried this one? Bye-bye.”
Controversy Over Music Rights
The use of Carpenter’s song raises concerns about whether the White House obtained the necessary permissions. In the past, the Trump administration has faced backlash for using artists’ works without consent. Notably, Olivia Rodrigo openly criticized the White House for using her song “All-American Bitch” in a video promoting self-deportation.
- Rodrigo’s comment: “Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda.”
- Sabrina Carpenter’s representatives have not yet commented on the situation.
Response from the Music Community
Artists have frequently condemned the use of their songs for political agendas. Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” was also misappropriated in a slideshow that included controversial images of Donald Trump. Swift, who has been vocal against Trump, did not comment on this specific instance.
The trend of musicians expressing disapproval illustrates a wider issue regarding the ownership and representation of art in political contexts. As the music industry navigates these challenges, it remains clear that artists are increasingly protective of their work and its usage.
