Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo has publicly denounced the Trump administration after discovering one of her hit songs was used as the soundtrack for a government video encouraging undocumented immigrants to self-deport.
Unauthorised Use of Music for Propaganda
The controversial video was posted on the official Instagram accounts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the White House on Tuesday, as Americans participated in state elections. The clip featured segments from Rodrigo's track all-american bitch from her album Guts, playing over footage of ICE agents detaining individuals.
Rodrigo, who is of Filipino American heritage, responded directly to the post before it was removed. "Don't ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda," the singer commented, according to screenshots that circulated widely after her original remark was deleted from the official post.
Video Content and Viral Backlash
The government video opened with the loud introduction of Rodrigo's song alongside scenes of immigration enforcement actions, accompanied by the threatening caption "IF ICE FINDS YOU." The tone then shifted as the video showed immigrants apparently choosing to self-deport, set against the song's lyrics: "All the time/I'm grateful all the time/I'm sexy and I'm kind/I'm pretty when I cry."
The post concluded with a stark warning: "LEAVE NOW and self-deport using the CBP Home app. If you don't, you will face the consequences." Following Rodrigo's criticism going viral on Friday, Instagram removed the soundtrack from the clip, leaving an error message stating "This song is currently unavailable."
Official Response and Historical Context
In a statement to the Guardian, a DHS spokesperson defended the department's position: "America is grateful all the time for our federal law enforcement officers who keep us safe. We suggest Ms. Rodrigo thank them for their service, not belittle their sacrifice." The department did not confirm whether they had removed Rodrigo's original comment from their post.
This incident places Rodrigo among numerous artists who have objected to Trump or his administration using their music without permission, including Beyoncé, the Rolling Stones, and Jess Glynne. Glynne previously expressed similar outrage when her music was used in comparable circumstances, stating the post "honestly makes me sick" and that her music represents "love, unity, and spreading positivity - never about division or hate."
This isn't the first time the 22-year-old singer has spoken out against Trump administration immigration policies. Earlier this year, Rodrigo condemned ICE raids occurring in Los Angeles, writing on Instagram: "I've lived in LA my whole life and I'm deeply upset about these violent deportations of my neighbors under the current administration. LA simply wouldn't exist without immigrants."
Rodrigo's relationship with the federal government has previously been collaborative under different leadership. In 2021, she visited the White House wearing a vintage pink Chanel suit to meet with President Joe Biden and Dr Anthony Fauci, recording a video to encourage youth vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the White House podium, she expressed being "beyond honored and humbled to be here today to help spread the message about the importance of youth vaccination."
