American singer Ariana Grande has requested the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to refrain from using her music to endorse its policies. Grande’s plea followed the White House’s sharing of a TikTok video showcasing its immigration stance earlier in the week. The video, depicting federal agents detaining individuals, features Grande’s 2024 track “Bye.”
In response, Grande expressed her disapproval on Thursday by commenting on the White House’s TikTok video, condemning the use of her music in connection with what she described as “barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense.” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson retaliated by emphasizing the brutality of criminal illegal aliens who have harmed innocent American citizens.
A source close to Grande revealed that her team is actively working to remove her music from the video promptly. Grande, known for her singing career and Academy Award nomination for acting, previously criticized the administration through an Instagram post questioning the impact of Trump’s presidency on people’s lives.
This incident is not the first time an artist’s music has been utilized by the Trump administration without proper authorization. Various artists, including Neil Young, John Fogerty, Phil Collins, Panic! At The Disco, and the estates of Leonard Cohen, Tom Petty, and Prince, have objected to this practice, with some even resorting to legal action.
President Trump, currently serving his second non-consecutive term, frequently utilizes social media to communicate with the public. His communication team often shares brief videos featuring popular songs to underscore the president’s efforts in fulfilling his campaign promises. These videos have included popular tracks while showcasing events such as immigration enforcement actions, military activities against Iran, and the apprehension of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.
