The White House recently stirred controversy by featuring Sabrina Carpenter’s music in a post related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. This incident began when the social media team shared a video that included Carpenter’s song from the movie “Juno.” However, they soon removed it amid backlash. Instead, they used a clip of Carpenter from “Saturday Night Live,” altering its audio for their messaging.
New Video Featuring Sabrina Carpenter
In the revised clip, Carpenter’s original phrase was changed. Initially, she addressed fellow cast member Marcello Hernández, suggesting he was “too hot.” In the altered version, her voice now states he is “too illegal.” This new clip contained a strong message, stating: “PSA: If you’re a criminal illegal, you WILL be arrested & deported.”
Reactions to the Campaign
Carpenter’s team did not provide immediate comments regarding this latest development. However, the singer previously expressed her disapproval after the original video featuring her music. She described it as “evil and disgusting” and requested that her music not be used to support what she deemed an inhumane agenda.
Previous White House Post Controversy
- The initial video featured a repetitive “Juno” lyric alongside footage of immigrant arrests.
- It’s unclear if the White House chose to delete the original tweet voluntarily.
- A version of the video remains on TikTok, devoid of the controversial audio.
Response from the White House
The White House’s reaction to Carpenter’s objections was notably provocative. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson issued a statement challenging the pop star, asserting the administration would not apologize for removing “dangerous criminal illegal murderers, rapists, and pedophiles” from the country. This comment drew further criticism and highlighted the administration’s strategy of using popular culture to promote its agenda.
Previous Engagements with Celebrities
This incident is part of a pattern where the White House engages with celebrities. On November 3, a video featuring Taylor Swift’s music was used to endorse pro-Trump sentiments, further demonstrating the administration’s approach to blending politics with pop culture.
The involvement of artists in political discourse raises questions about the ethical use of their work in controversial contexts. While the White House seeks to reinforce its stance against illegal immigration, it faces strong pushback from artists like Carpenter who oppose the association of their creations with such messages.
