White House Criticized for Using Sabrina Carpenter Song in DHS Video

The White House is facing renewed criticism after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) used Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Juno” in a social media video promoting migrant enforcement actions in the United States.

The footage, recently shared on official White House platforms, shows several migrants being detained by DHS officers, including scenes of individuals being handcuffed. The clip is underscored by Carpenter’s track, in which the lyric “have you ever tried this one?” is heard—prompting backlash from viewers who argued the music was used to mock those being arrested.

Carpenter originally performed the song during her “Short n’ Sweet Tour,” where the lyrics referenced different sexual positions. The context of the song’s original meaning has fueled further criticism of its use in federal government messaging.

This is not the first time a pop song has been used in DHS content. Olivia Rodrigo’s track “All-American Bitch” was recently featured in promotional material for a “self-deportation” campaign on DHS’s Instagram page. After Rodrigo objected publicly—stating that she did not want her work associated with “racist and hateful practices”—the song was removed.

The controversy also comes shortly after media speculation suggested tension between Carpenter and Rodrigo, prompting questions about whether Carpenter will respond similarly to the government’s use of her work.

The use of copyrighted entertainment content in government immigration messaging has sparked widespread criticism. In recent months, artists including Theo Von and Zach Bryan have publicly rejected the use of their work in DHS or White House videos. Even the Pokémon Company requested that its brand not be included in similar government material.

As of now, Sabrina Carpenter has not issued a statement regarding the White House’s use of her music in the recent DHS video.