Ariana Grande criticizes the White House over use of her music in an ICE detention video

Ariana Grande criticized the Trump administration after the White House used her music in a video depicting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions. In a statement shared publicly, Grande said the material was “barbaric, inhumane,” according to The Guardian.

The dispute centers on a White House post that compiled footage of ICE agents detaining people. The Guardian reported that the video showed agents handcuffing and detaining individuals and was accompanied by a caption referencing President Trump. The posting, described as a montage, was shared on the White House’s social media channels.

Grande was not the first major pop artist to raise objections to the administration’s use of music in immigration enforcement content. The Guardian reported that other artists, including Sabrina Carpenter and SZA, have also expressed anger over similar videos that incorporated their songs.

The Guardian said Grande’s rebuke is part of a broader response from musicians who oppose what they view as the pairing of their work with immigration enforcement messaging. The article did not specify the precise track used by the White House, nor did it describe any formal legal complaint at the time of publication.

It is unclear from the reporting whether the administration obtained permissions through licensing channels for the use of the songs in the video, or whether the artists are pursuing contractual remedies. The Guardian’s account focused on the public reaction from the performers and the existence of the White House montage.

The use of copyrighted music in public-facing government communications has previously raised questions for artists about licensing and consent, particularly when the material is intended for political or public-advocacy purposes. In this case, Grande’s comments add a new named artist to a growing list of performers who have publicly objected to the administration’s approach.

A spokesperson for the White House and representatives for Grande were not quoted in the Guardian’s report. The next step, based on the public record described, would be whether the administration responds, whether the artists’ representatives seek clarification on licensing or permissions, and whether the videos remain online or are modified.