Ariana Grande Demands White House Stop Using Her Music for Immigration Videos

Pop star Ariana Grande has publicly condemned the White House for incorporating her 2024 hit "Bye" into a social media video depicting immigration enforcement operations. The artist demanded the administration cease using her music, describing the content as "barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense." The incident reflects escalating tensions between the Trump administration and musicians over unauthorized use of their work for political messaging.

The Video and Grande's Response

The White House shared a TikTok video on Monday showing immigration agents placing individuals in handcuffs and transporting them to detention facilities, with Grande's song serving as the soundtrack. The caption read: "Bye-bye... President Trump has delivered the most secure border in history." Grande commented directly on the post, requesting that her music no longer be associated with immigration enforcement messaging.

According to reports, Grande's comment was initially visible but subsequently removed from the platform. The audio was also muted from the original video following her public objection. Multiple users noted the removal of her comment and the silencing of the soundtrack, documenting the changes across social media.

White House Defense and Broader Context

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded to Grande's criticism, stating: "What's actually barbaric, inhumane, and heinous are the criminal illegal aliens who have injured and murdered innocent American citizens." The exchange occurred amid broader policy initiatives, including legislation allocating over $70 billion to immigration enforcement agencies for the remaining portion of the presidential term.

Grande joins a growing roster of artists opposing the administration's use of their music. Singer Sabrina Carpenter similarly objected when her 2024 song "Juno" appeared in a White House video showcasing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. During the previous election cycle, acts including ABBA, Céline Dion, and Beyoncé all demanded that the Trump campaign refrain from using their music at rallies and promotional events.

The pop star has previously expressed opposition to the administration's policies. In September, she reshared a post criticizing immigration enforcement operations and what she characterized as transphobic rhetoric. Grande campaigned for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election and has performed at official White House events during the Obama administration.