Olivia Rodrigo Criticizes Trump Administration for Unauthorized Use of Her Music

Pop star Olivia Rodrigo has publicly condemned the Trump administration after her music was used without permission in government videos promoting mass deportation policies. The 22-year-old singer expressed outrage when her hit song “all-american bitch” was featured in a joint Instagram video shared by the White House and Department of Homeland Security.

The controversial video, which encouraged migrants to self-deport, strategically paired different sections of Rodrigo’s song with contrasting imagery. The track’s aggressive screaming section accompanied footage of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents forcefully detaining migrants, while the song’s calmer portion played over clips of smiling migrants boarding planes. The juxtaposition appeared designed to suggest that voluntary deportation was preferable to facing ICE enforcement.

Responding directly to the unauthorized use of her music, Rodrigo commented on the post: “don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda.” Though the comment has since disappeared from the platform, it remains unclear whether Rodrigo deleted it herself or if the government accounts removed it.

The Department of Homeland Security defended their actions in a statement to TMZ, suggesting that Rodrigo should “thank” ICE officers for their work rather than “belittle their sacrifice.” The exchange highlights growing tensions between the administration and public figures who oppose its immigration policies.

This incident comes amid a contentious political climate, with Rodrigo having publicly endorsed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. The Grammy winner has consistently positioned herself against Trump’s immigration agenda, particularly criticizing the administration’s treatment of migrant communities.

In June, Rodrigo took to social media to condemn ICE raids in Los Angeles, where she was born and raised. “Treating hardworking community members with such little respect, empathy, and due process is awful,” she wrote at the time, adding, “I stand with the beautiful, diverse community of Los Angeles and with immigrants all across America.”

The current controversy marks the second time Rodrigo has clashed with the Trump team over unauthorized use of her music. Previously, when the Trump campaign celebrated their 2024 election victory on TikTok using her track “deja vu,” Rodrigo responded firmly: “ew don’t ever use my sound again ty.” Following that incident, the singer reportedly had the sound removed from the platform entirely.

The dispute reflects a broader pattern of tension between musicians and political campaigns that use their work without permission. Artists from Bruce Springsteen to Rihanna have similarly objected to the use of their music at political rallies and in campaign materials, particularly when the politician’s views contradict their own.

For Rodrigo, whose meteoric rise to fame has been accompanied by increasingly vocal political stances, the incident underscores her willingness to leverage her platform on contentious issues. As one of the most successful young artists in the industry today, her public rebuke of the administration carries significant weight among her predominantly young fan base.

The controversy also highlights ongoing debates about the ethics of government messaging on immigration enforcement. Critics argue that the video’s framing—juxtaposing violent enforcement with supposedly peaceful voluntary departure—misrepresents the complex realities of the U.S. immigration system and the often traumatic experiences of those caught within it.

As the administration continues its hardline approach to immigration enforcement, conflicts with public figures like Rodrigo suggest growing cultural resistance to these policies, particularly among younger Americans who represent a key demographic in the nation’s ongoing political discourse.