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Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo has publicly condemned the Trump administration and Department of Homeland Security for using her music in a controversial immigration enforcement video. The dispute erupted Friday when Rodrigo responded to a DHS social media post featuring her song “All-American Bitch” as the soundtrack for a deportation campaign.
The government video, posted to Instagram on Tuesday, strategically utilized different segments of Rodrigo’s hit song to convey its message. The rock-heavy, intense portion of the track played over footage of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detaining undocumented immigrants with the caption “If ICE finds you.” The video then transitioned to the song’s softer, more melodic section while showing images of immigrants seemingly self-deporting voluntarily.
“LEAVE NOW and self-deport using the CBP Home app,” read the post’s caption. “If you don’t, you will face the consequences.”
Rodrigo quickly responded with a comment on the post, writing: “Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda.” Though this comment was subsequently deleted—it remains unclear whether by Rodrigo or DHS officials—fans have continued to replicate her statement in the comments section, ensuring her stance remains visible.
When contacted for comment, a DHS spokesperson delivered a pointed response: “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.”
This incident represents the latest chapter in Rodrigo’s outspoken opposition to Trump’s immigration policies. The 21-year-old artist has previously used her platform to advocate for immigrant communities, particularly in Los Angeles where she has lived her entire life.
In June, when ICE conducted widespread raids targeting undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles, Rodrigo shared an Instagram story expressing her dismay: “I’ve lived in L.A. my whole life and I’m deeply upset about these violent deportations of my neighbors under the current administration. L.A. simply wouldn’t exist without immigrants. Treating hardworking community members with such little respect, empathy, and due process is awful.”
She further affirmed her position, stating: “I stand with the beautiful, diverse community of Los Angeles and with immigrants all across America. I stand for our right to freedom of speech and freedom to protest.”
The unauthorized use of music in political contexts has become an increasingly contentious issue in recent years. Numerous artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and The Rolling Stones, have objected to their songs being played at Trump rallies or used in campaign materials. Such usage often raises questions about copyright infringement and implied endorsement.
For Rodrigo, whose meteoric rise to fame has been accompanied by her willingness to speak on social issues, this incident highlights the intersection of art, politics, and personal conviction. Her Grammy-winning music, including tracks from her album “Guts” which features “All-American Bitch,” resonates particularly with younger audiences who have shown increasing political engagement.
The conflict also underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding U.S. immigration policy. The current administration has pursued aggressive enforcement measures, including controversial self-deportation programs that critics argue often rely on fear tactics rather than humane solutions to complex immigration challenges.
As of publication, representatives for Rodrigo had not responded to requests for additional comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the controversial video remains online, continuing to generate discussion about the appropriate use of artistic content in government messaging and the broader debate about immigration enforcement in America.
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11 Comments
I’m glad to see Olivia Rodrigo speaking out against this egregious misuse of her work. The government’s exploitation of popular music for political propaganda is a worrying trend that must be challenged. Artists deserve to have their creative visions respected.
Olivia Rodrigo’s response is entirely appropriate. The government’s use of her music to promote an anti-immigrant agenda is a clear violation of her rights and values as an artist. I hope this incident sparks a broader conversation about the ethical use of creative work in the political sphere.
While I appreciate the government’s efforts to address immigration, this is a deeply misguided approach. Leveraging popular music to spread anti-immigrant messaging is wrong and will only serve to further divide the country.
This is a concerning misuse of Olivia Rodrigo’s music. Using her songs to promote anti-immigrant policies is both unethical and tone-deaf. Artists should have the right to control how their work is used, especially for political propaganda.
This is a disappointing and troubling development. Rodrigo is right to condemn the government’s actions, which show a blatant disregard for the integrity of her art and the impact it can have on her fans. I hope this incident leads to greater accountability and protection for artists.
Rodrigo is absolutely right to condemn this. Her music should not be co-opted for such a hateful and divisive purpose. I hope the government swiftly removes this video and issues a sincere apology.
Agreed. The use of Rodrigo’s song in this way is a clear violation of her artistic rights and values. The government’s actions here are shameful.
As a fan of Olivia Rodrigo’s music, I’m disheartened to see it being used for such an unethical purpose. The government’s actions here show a lack of respect for artistic integrity and the power of music to bring people together, not drive them apart.
This is an unfortunate example of the government exploiting art for political gain. Rodrigo is right to call out this blatant misuse of her work. Musicians should have the freedom to create without fear of their art being co-opted for propaganda.
While immigration policy is a complex and contentious issue, the government’s actions here are unacceptable. Using Rodrigo’s music to spread anti-immigrant sentiment is a cynical and harmful tactic that undermines the values of artistic expression.
Olivia Rodrigo is completely justified in her outrage. The government’s use of her music to promote a racist agenda is a gross violation of her creative rights. I hope this incident leads to stronger protections for artists against such abuses.