Olivia Rodrigo is making it clear that she is not happy with the Trump administration (and his Department of Homeland Security) using her music to promote their policies. On Friday, the pop singer slammed the White House and DHS for posting a video about self-deportation using one of her songs.
A video posted to Instagram on Tuesday opened with the chaotic, rock part of her Guts favorite “All-American Bitch” showing clips of ICE agents detaining undocumented immigrants with the caption “If ICE finds you,” and then undocumented immigrants seemingly choosing to self-deport with the softer, more peaceful part of the song that follows.
“LEAVE NOW and self-deport using the CBP Home app,” read the DHS post’s caption. “If you don’t, you will face the consequences.”
In a comment that has since been deleted (although it’s unclear if by Rodrigo or DHS), Rodrigo wrote, “Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda.” Since its deletion, fans of Rodrigo have been copy/pasting her original message to remind viewers of Rodrigo’s take.
In response to Rolling Stone‘s request for comment on the matter, a DHS spokesperson said, “America is grateful all the time for our federal law enforcement officers who keep us safe. We suggest Ms. Rodrigo thank them for their service, not belittle their sacrifice.”
Rodrigo has been a loud voice against Trump’s policies and racist approach to immigration enforcement. When ICE started targeting Angelenos in mass raids back in June, Rodrigo shared an Instagram story condemning deportations.
“I’ve lived in L.A. my whole life and I’m deeply upset about these violent deportations of my neighbors under the current administration,” Rodrigo wrote. “L.A. simply wouldn’t exist without immigrants. Treating hardworking community members with such little respect, empathy, and due process is awful.”
She continued: “I stand with the beautiful, diverse community of Los Angeles and with immigrants all across America. I stand for our right to freedom of speech and freedom to protest.”
A rep for Rodrigo did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone‘s request for additional comment.
