Sabrina Carpenter Rips Trump White House for ‘Evil, Disgusting’ Use of Her Hit ‘Juno’ in ICE Video

Pop phenomenon Sabrina Carpenter ignited a political firestorm overnight after publicly rebuking the Trump White House for sound-tracking a pro-ICE video with her hit single “Juno.” In a sharply worded post on X, the 26-year-old singer called the montage of immigration raids “evil and disgusting” and warned officials: “Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.” The administration doubled down within hours, issuing a statement that blended political barbs with puns on Carpenter’s recent projects, insisting it would “never apologize for deporting dangerous criminal illegal murderers.” The back-and-forth has thrust Carpenter—even in the middle of her sold-out Short n’ Sweet arena tour—into the center of America’s heated immigration debate, giving the singer’s massive Gen-Z fanbase a fresh rallying point. Why “Juno” matters Released in spring 2025, the pop-disco anthem raced up streaming charts thanks to a viral lyric about bedroom “experiments.” The White House video lifted that very line—“Have you ever tried this one?”—to caption footage of ICE agents handcuffing migrants. Critics say the pairing trivializes both the detainees’ plight and Carpenter’s sexually liberated message, while supporters of the administration argue that any public recording is fair game. Carpenter’s rapid rise The Disney-alum-turned-chart-topper is enjoying the most successful year of her career. Her seventh studio album “Man’s Best Friend,” released on 29 August, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and cemented collaborations with longtime producer Jack Antonoff. The accompanying Short n’ Sweet Tour has packed arenas from Pittsburgh to Portland and recently expanded with a second North American leg after selling out in minutes. Digital backlash, brand risk Carpenter’s stance went viral within an hour, amassing more than 50 million views and sparking hashtags such as #JunoForJustice and #HandsOffEspresso. Marketing analysts note that the controversy could imperil lucrative sync deals for the administration while boosting Carpenter’s streaming numbers; Spotify reported a 27 percent spike in “Juno” plays before noon EST. Legal options on the table Music-rights attorneys say Carpenter could pursue a takedown if the video used her master recording without a license. While campaign-trail copyright spats are common, a direct clash with the sitting White House is rare and could set a precedent for how future administrations source pop music. What’s next for the singer Carpenter heads to Dallas on Friday, where fans are already planning a sing-along protest outside the American Airlines Center. Industry insiders expect “Juno” to climb even higher on radio request charts, and whispers of a surprise Grammys performance in February are growing louder. Bottom line Sabrina Carpenter’s swift, outspoken defense of her art has transformed a routine political promo into a viral culture-war flashpoint—underscoring the power of pop stars to shape national conversations in the streaming era.