Espresso Sabrina Carpenter, the singer behind the hit song “Espresso,” has openly criticized the White House for using her music without permission in a controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) video. On December 2, 2025, Carpenter took to social media to call the video “evil and disgusting,” demanding that neither she nor her music be associated with what she described as an “inhumane agenda.”
The video posted by the White House depicted ICE officers arresting individuals and was set to Carpenter’s 2024 track “Juno.” The song’s lyrics, which cheekily reference experimenting with different positions, were used in a montage of enforcement actions, sparking huge backlash from Carpenter and her fans.
Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
…. actually.. she succeeded…pic.twitter.com/ndEwqjdQct— sparky ❤️🔥 ⊬ (@sparkyhowlett) February 16, 2025
Carpenter expressed clear disapproval of the White House’s use of her music, highlighting the disconnect between the song’s playful tone and the serious, often harsh, reality of immigration enforcement depicted. The White House video started with scenes of protesters filming ICE, transitioning into footage of arrests, synchronized with the lyrics “Have you ever tried this one?” .
The administration labeled the video with the phrase “Have you ever attempted this one? Farewell,” employing Carpenter’s lyrics to highlight the message. Carpenter’s outspoken objection aligns with a growing list of artists who have condemned the Trump administration for unauthorized use of their work, such as Beyoncé, Olivia Rodrigo, and Semisonic.
In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the video’s message in a statement, accusing critics of being “stupid or slow” and arguing the government is justified in deporting “dangerous criminals.” The statement also made cryptic references to Carpenter’s other songs. This sparked further debate on social media, with many praising Carpenter for her courage to speak out, while others defended the administration’s stance on immigration enforcement.
Sabrina Carpenter, a Grammy winner and rising star following her 2024 “Espresso” release, has addressed her concerns with standing firm opposition to her music being used to promote controversial policies. Earlier in 2025, she showed empathy for women and marginalized voices in the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, showing her dedication to progressive causes.
This incident exemplifies a broader trend in which musicians fight back against political figures and institutions using their creations without consent, especially in ways that conflict with the artists’ values. Carpenter’s response adds to a growing discourse on intellectual property rights, artist control, and political messaging in the digital age.
Overall, Sabrina Carpenter’s firm stance against the unauthorized use of “Juno” by the White House underscores ongoing tensions between the music industry and political entities. Her efforts reflect an artist’s power to challenge narratives and protect personal and creative integrity in challenging social climates.