Rodrigo Slams DHS for Using Song in ICE Video
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- Olivia Rodrigo said in a Dazed interview ahead of her third album that she was "enraged" to discover the Trump Department of Homeland Security used her 2023 track "All-American Bitch" in a video promoting ICE deportations, calling the propaganda "deeply disturbing" and "barbaric"
- The DHS video, posted Nov. 4 of last year, played the song over footage of ICE agents detaining people of color and carried the caption: "LEAVE NOW and self-deport using the CBP Home app. If you don't, you will face the consequences"
- Rodrigo's initial response was a comment on the DHS post reading: "Don't ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda"
- Sabrina Carpenter also condemned the DHS last December for using her song "Juno" in a pro-ICE video, writing: "This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda"
- Kenny Loggins demanded the White House remove "Danger Zone" from a video depicting Trump flying over No Kings protestors and dropping poop on them, telling Variety: "This is an unauthorized use of my performance of 'Danger Zone.' Nobody asked me for my permission, which I would have denied"
- Rodrigo's third album, "You Look Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love," is set for release on June 12
Why it matters: Three high-profile artists — Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, and Kenny Loggins — have now publicly condemned the Trump administration for using their music in pro-ICE propaganda without permission, with each issuing direct rebukes and Loggins formally demanding removal. The repeated unauthorized use across multiple artists suggests the administration has not adjusted course despite objections, and Rodrigo's interview landing ahead of her June 12 album release puts the dispute in front of a massive Gen Z audience.
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