Sabrina Carpenter Condemns ‘Evil and Disgusting’ ICE Video That Uses Her Song
Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter has publicly condemned the Trump administrationS use of her song “Espresso“ in a video posted by Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICE) showcasing recent arrests and deportations. Carpenter called the video “evil and disgusting” on her social media channels, joining a growing chorus of artists objecting to their music being used to promote the administration’s immigration policies.
The incident highlights a pattern of the Trump administration utilizing popular music to bolster its messaging, frequently enough without the artists’ consent. Since taking office for a second term 10 months ago, President Trump has substantially escalated immigration enforcement, authorizing widespread arrests, detentions, and deportations. This has led to mounting concerns from human rights experts regarding the detention of children and parents, and the arrest of individuals without due process. The administration frequently celebrates these actions on social media, framing them as part of a broader effort to combat violent crime.
Carpenter’s condemnation follows similar statements from other musicians, including Olivia Rodrigo, who recently denounced the administration’s use of her music as “racist, hateful propaganda.” Despite Trump’s claims that his administration targets “dangerous criminals,” Guardian analysis has revealed that the majority of those arrested by ICE have no criminal convictions.
The controversy comes as the Trump administration has paused all asylum decisions, leaving 1.5 million applicants in legal uncertainty. Furthermore, Trump has vowed to “permanently pause” migration from “third world” countries following a shooting in Washington D.C.involving a suspect who was an Afghan national. The use of Carpenter’s song adds another layer to the escalating tensions surrounding the administration’s immigration policies and the ethical considerations of utilizing artists’ work for political purposes.
