Ariana Grande Slams White House for Using Her Song in Immigration Video

Pop superstar Ariana Grande has voiced strong opposition to the White House’s use of her song “Bye” in a recent TikTok video that highlighted the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies. The video featured federal agents apprehending individuals while Grande’s track played in the background.

Grande’s strong reaction was reportedly posted as a comment on the TikTok video, with the artist stating, “Please do not ever use my music in connection with this barbaric, inhumane, horrific nonsense.” According to Reuters, a spokesperson for Grande confirmed the comment was posted but noted it is no longer visible, suggesting it may have been removed by the TikTok account owner. Grande’s team is reportedly working to have her music taken down from the video.

White House Response

A spokesperson for the White House, Abigail Jackson, responded to Grande’s criticism. Jackson stated, “We will say it one more time: what is truly barbaric, inhumane, and horrific is the criminal illegal aliens who have injured and murdered innocent American citizens.” This statement directly contrasts Grande’s sentiments, framing the immigration situation through a different lens.

Past Criticisms of Trump Administration

This is not the first time Ariana Grande has expressed her disapproval of Donald Trump and his administration. In 2025, she shared a post on Instagram questioning individuals who had voted for Trump, asking if their lives had improved since his time in office.

Broader Artist Opposition

Grande joins a list of several prominent artists who have publicly objected to the Trump administration’s use of their music. Musicians such as Neil Young, John Fogerty, Phil Collins, ABBA, and Panic At The Disco, as well as the estates of artists like Leonard Cohen, Tom Petty, and Prince, have all raised objections. Some of these artists and estates have even pursued legal action against the administration for similar unauthorized uses of their work. This pattern suggests a recurring conflict between artists’ rights and the political messaging strategies employed by the administration.

Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|—|—|
| Artist | Ariana Grande |
| Song Used | “Bye” |
| Platform | TikTok |
| Content | White House video on immigration policy |
| Grande’s Reaction | Publicly condemned as “barbaric” and “inhumane” |
| White House Spokesperson | Abigail Jackson |

The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding artists’ rights and the use of their music in political contexts. It also underscores the potential legal and public relations challenges faced by political campaigns and administrations when leveraging popular culture for messaging without explicit consent. For fans and observers of both pop culture and politics, this event serves as a reminder of the intersection between celebrity, activism, and policy.

Source: NOS Voetbal – https://nos.nl/l/2618178

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