American pop star Ariana Grande has requested U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to refrain from using her music to endorse its policies. This request follows the sharing of a video on TikTok by the White House earlier this week, showcasing its immigration policy. The video, depicting federal agents apprehending individuals, includes Grande’s 2024 track “Bye.”
In response to the video, Grande expressed her disapproval, stating, “Please do not ever use my music in connection with this barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense.” The White House spokesperson, Abigail Jackson, defended the use of the music, emphasizing that what is truly barbaric, inhumane, and heinous are the criminal illegal aliens who have caused harm to innocent American citizens.
A source close to Grande mentioned that her team is actively exploring ways to remove the music from the video promptly. Grande, known for her singing and being an Academy Award-nominated actress, had criticized the administration previously by questioning the impact of Trump’s presidency on people’s lives.
This incident is not the first instance of an artist’s music being utilized without authorization by the Trump administration. Several artists, including Neil Young, John Fogerty, Phil Collins, Panic! At The Disco, and estates of Leonard Cohen, Tom Petty, and Prince, have raised objections and even initiated legal actions to prevent such unauthorized use.
President Trump, currently serving his second non-consecutive term, frequently employs social media platforms to showcase his initiatives, with his communications team often incorporating popular songs in short videos to emphasize his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises. These videos have showcased various aspects, such as immigration enforcement, military actions, and international events involving figures like former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.