The intersection of pop culture and politics collided again this week when the White House found itself in a public spat with singer Sabrina Carpenter — and they’re not backing down.
The controversy erupted after the official White House X account posted an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) promotional video featuring Carpenter’s song “Juno.” The clip, which showcased deportations of violent criminal offenders, was captioned with a lyric from the song: “Have you ever tried this one? Bye-bye.” It was a clear attempt to inject a viral, tongue-in-cheek tone into a policy message — one that didn’t land well with the 24-year-old singer.
NEW: White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson sent me a statement on Carpenter’s comment:
“Here’s a Short n’ Sweet message for Sabrina Carpenter: we won’t apologize for deporting dangerous criminal illegal murderers, rapists, and pedophiles from our country. Anyone who would… https://t.co/NxDrbx8fPu
— Herb Scribner (@HerbScribner) December 2, 2025
Carpenter quickly fired back, calling the video “evil and disgusting” and demanding that her music never be used to support what she described as an “inhumane agenda.”
But the White House didn’t blink.
In a blunt statement sent to Axios journalist Herb Scribner, spokeswoman Abigail Jackson doubled down:
“We won’t apologize for deporting dangerous criminal illegal murderers, rapists, and pedophiles from our country,” she said. “Anyone who would defend these sick monsters must be stupid, or is it slow?”
The message is unambiguous, and it reflects the current administration’s hardline stance on illegal immigration, especially in cases involving criminal convictions. While the tone raised eyebrows, it also signals a clear departure from efforts to placate celebrity critics — something past administrations have sometimes attempted.
Carpenter, best known for her Disney Channel roots and recent success in pop music, has been increasingly vocal in progressive circles, advocating for trans rights and other left-leaning causes. However, her sharp rebuke of the White House move appeared to spark division even among her fans, especially after past controversies involving her live performances — including backlash for sexually provocative content at shows attended by younger audiences.
Have you ever tried this one?
Bye-bye 👋😍 pic.twitter.com/MS9OJKjVdX
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 1, 2025
While the use of her song may be legally permissible under fair use guidelines — especially in a transformative, political context — the ethical and cultural implications are murkier. The incident raises a familiar and uncomfortable question: Can artists truly control how their work is used once it enters the public domain?
What’s also striking is the widening cultural gap between entertainers and federal institutions. Carpenter’s denunciation of immigration enforcement as “evil” aligns with a broader trend in Hollywood — one that has often portrayed border control measures as inherently unjust. But to millions of Americans, the removal of violent offenders from U.S. soil is a moral imperative, not a moral failing.
