Highlights
- DHS shared a self-deportation video using Rodrigo’s song “All-American Bitch”
- The singer accused the department of spreading “racist, hateful propaganda”
- Other artists, including Jess Glynne and Theo Von, have made similar complaints
Olivia Rodrigo slams use of her music in DHS deportation campaign
Olivia Rodrigo has criticized Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after it used her song “All-American Bitch” in a social media post encouraging undocumented immigrants to self-deport.
The DHS video, shared on November 4 in collaboration with the White House’s Instagram account, featured footage of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detaining people of color. The post included the message: “LEAVE NOW and self-deport using the CBP Home app. If you don’t, you will face the consequences.”
Reacting to the post, Rodrigo commented: “Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda.”
The track, taken from her 2023 album Guts, plays in the background of the video with the lyrics: “All the time, I’m grateful all the time, I’m sexy and I’m kind, I’m pretty when I cry.”
Artists condemn government’s use of popular music
Rodrigo joins a growing number of artists criticizing the Trump administration for using their work in political or promotional content.
Earlier this year, British singer Jess Glynne condemned a White House video that used her hit “Hold My Hand” as part of a deportation-themed social media post. The clip, which followed a viral “Jet2 holiday” meme trend, included the caption: “When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. Nothing beats it.”
“This post honestly makes me sick,” Glynne wrote on Instagram. “My music is about love, unity, and spreading positivity, never about division or hate.”
Broader backlash over ICE raid content
Trump’s administration has faced repeated criticism for its immigration enforcement tactics. In January, the DHS ended a policy that had restricted ICE agents from arresting undocumented immigrants at places such as schools, hospitals, and houses of worship.
Comedian Theo Von also objected to his likeness being used in a DHS video, quoting him saying, “Heard you got deported, dude, bye.” The clip circulated widely before Von publicly demanded it be removed.
“Yooo DHS I didn’t approve to be used in this. I know you know my address so send a check. And please take this down,” he wrote in a now-deleted post. “When it comes to immigration, my thoughts and heart are a lot more nuanced than this video allows.”
The DHS later deleted the video following public backlash.
Instagram/ dhsgov
Rodrigo’s firm stance
Known for her outspoken activism, Rodrigo made clear she will not tolerate her art being tied to anti-immigrant rhetoric. Her response has drawn support from fans and fellow artists who say the government’s use of popular songs to promote deportations crosses an ethical line.
As controversy around Trump’s immigration policies intensifies, the clash underscores how cultural expression is increasingly becoming a battleground for political messaging.
She married Sanjay Khan in 1966Getty Images
