Artists vs. Politics: SZA Criticizes White House for Using Her Song in Deportation Video
SZA criticized the White House for using her song in a video promoting the Trump administration's deportation efforts. The official White House account shared a video of ICE agents detaining illegal immigrants set to SZA's song "Big Boy," prompting backlash from SZA and her former manager.
SZA, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, expressed her disapproval of the White House's use of her music in a social media post. She called out the White House for using artists for promotional purposes and spreading propaganda.
The video posted by the White House featured ICE officers arresting illegal immigrants with SZA's lyrics in the background. The caption of the post referenced the song's lyrics, highlighting the administration's stance on criminal illegal aliens.
In response to SZA's criticism, a White House spokesperson thanked her for bringing attention to the work of ICE officers in apprehending dangerous criminal illegal aliens.
This incident is part of a trend where celebrities have spoken out against the Trump administration's social media posts. Pop star Sabrina Carpenter also condemned the White House for using her song in a pro-ICE video, echoing SZA's sentiments.
Olivia Rodrigo, another singer, recently criticized the Department of Homeland Security for using her song in an Instagram post urging illegal immigrants to self-deport. Rodrigo denounced the use of her music for promoting what she called racist and hateful propaganda.
These instances highlight the ongoing tension between artists and the government over the use of their music in political messaging. The White House and DHS have faced backlash from artists for aligning their songs with controversial policies.