Last week, a commotion arose over the Trump administration’s controversial military actions near Venezuela. Amid this turmoil, a worker from the Department of Homeland Security stirred the pot on social media. They posted a video featuring ICE officials detaining people, celebrating it in a way that many found offensive. The video used a trending line from Sabrina Carpenter’s song, which made it even more provocative.
Carpenter faced a tough choice. She could remain silent, like Taylor Swift had previously, when her music was used for a political agenda. Or she could speak out against the misuse of her art. She chose to voice her disgust, calling the video “evil and disgusting” and firmly stated she didn’t want her music tied to such actions.
But her response only drew more eyes to the original video, possibly helping the administration spread its message further. Soon after, the White House hit back, dismissing Carpenter’s views and defending their actions.
This incident isn’t isolated. Many artists, including Olivia Rodrigo and SZA, have protested their music being co-opted for political messaging. SZA summed it up perfectly: “White House rage baiting artists for free promo is PEAK DARK… Evil and boring.”
The cycle of political manipulation through popular music reveals a concerning trend. This administration, guided by a reality TV-star mentality, leverages social media to stir outrage and provoke reactions. A White House official even admitted they knew their strategy would draw attention from media outlets like Variety.
So, what’s the solution for musicians caught in this crossfire? It’s complicated. But artists with engaged fanbases could address the core issues, like fear and racism, instead of just reacting. Artists like Zach Bryan, whose anti-ICE lyrics challenged the administration, show that there might be a way to confront these issues meaningfully, rather than play into the ongoing game.
As one White House communications member said, “The arrests will continue. The memes will continue.” While it’s natural to be outraged, we can choose to shift our focus away from what’s designed to provoke us. Instead, let’s consider how to raise awareness and effects change without just adding fuel to the fire.
For more insights into the impact of music in politics, check out this analysis on how songs resonate in today’s social climate.
