Pop stars caught in the crossfire of Trump's propaganda machine.
When Sabrina Carpenter took to social media to condemn the Department of Homeland Security for using her song "Junon" in a viral video showcasing Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) officials arresting undocumented immigrants, it seemed like a no-brainer. The singer explicitly told the White House that she would not support their use of her music to peddle their hate agenda, saying the video was "evil and disgusting." However, her reaction inadvertently played right into the Trump administration's hands.
As news articles about Carpenter's response reached more viewers, it brought unwanted attention to ICE propaganda efforts, further fueling the fire that the White House had set. The administration promptly followed up with an official statement disparaging Carpenter's response while continuing to use her lyrics in a twisted attempt to normalize their cruel policies.
This is not an isolated incident. In recent months, numerous pop stars have found themselves at the center of this propaganda cycle. Artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Jess Glynne, Kenny Loggins, MGMT, and others have vocally objected to the administration's use of their music. It's a pattern that has become increasingly evident, with even SZA labeling the White House's tactics "peak dark" in response to using her music.
At its core, this is a masterclass in psychological manipulation. The Trump administration is built on a foundation of social media engagement, leveraging influencers and shock value to normalize hate and xenophobia. This has created a culture where artists are caught in a no-win situation: engaging with the administration's propaganda risks giving them more attention, while remaining silent may be perceived as condoning their actions.
Perhaps it's time for younger artists, particularly those with strong online fanbases like Carpenter, to take a different approach. Instead of reacting impulsively or simply speaking out against the White House, they could try to use their platforms to educate and raise awareness about the real issues at play. This may require a more nuanced understanding of the administration's tactics and a clear-eyed assessment of what this is – a game designed to normalize hate and violence.
In response to criticism over an AI-generated image that demeaned ICE detainees, Kaelan Dorr, a White House communications team member, said "The arrests will continue. The memes will continue." This chilling statement highlights the administration's willingness to normalize their most despicable tactics using every tool at their disposal, including social media.
While our disgust with this kind of propaganda is natural, we don't have to give it attention. By staying informed and critically evaluating the information presented by the White House, artists, and others can avoid falling into their trap. It's a tough line to draw, but one that may be necessary in this battle against hate and xenophobia.
When Sabrina Carpenter took to social media to condemn the Department of Homeland Security for using her song "Junon" in a viral video showcasing Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) officials arresting undocumented immigrants, it seemed like a no-brainer. The singer explicitly told the White House that she would not support their use of her music to peddle their hate agenda, saying the video was "evil and disgusting." However, her reaction inadvertently played right into the Trump administration's hands.
As news articles about Carpenter's response reached more viewers, it brought unwanted attention to ICE propaganda efforts, further fueling the fire that the White House had set. The administration promptly followed up with an official statement disparaging Carpenter's response while continuing to use her lyrics in a twisted attempt to normalize their cruel policies.
This is not an isolated incident. In recent months, numerous pop stars have found themselves at the center of this propaganda cycle. Artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Jess Glynne, Kenny Loggins, MGMT, and others have vocally objected to the administration's use of their music. It's a pattern that has become increasingly evident, with even SZA labeling the White House's tactics "peak dark" in response to using her music.
At its core, this is a masterclass in psychological manipulation. The Trump administration is built on a foundation of social media engagement, leveraging influencers and shock value to normalize hate and xenophobia. This has created a culture where artists are caught in a no-win situation: engaging with the administration's propaganda risks giving them more attention, while remaining silent may be perceived as condoning their actions.
Perhaps it's time for younger artists, particularly those with strong online fanbases like Carpenter, to take a different approach. Instead of reacting impulsively or simply speaking out against the White House, they could try to use their platforms to educate and raise awareness about the real issues at play. This may require a more nuanced understanding of the administration's tactics and a clear-eyed assessment of what this is – a game designed to normalize hate and violence.
In response to criticism over an AI-generated image that demeaned ICE detainees, Kaelan Dorr, a White House communications team member, said "The arrests will continue. The memes will continue." This chilling statement highlights the administration's willingness to normalize their most despicable tactics using every tool at their disposal, including social media.
While our disgust with this kind of propaganda is natural, we don't have to give it attention. By staying informed and critically evaluating the information presented by the White House, artists, and others can avoid falling into their trap. It's a tough line to draw, but one that may be necessary in this battle against hate and xenophobia.
but at the same time I think it's kinda genius how they're using social media to create all this drama and controversy... like, have you seen Sabrina Carpenter's reaction? It's totally playing right into their hands 
. But seriously though, I think we need to start thinking creatively about how artists can use their platforms to actually make a positive impact 
. Instead of just reacting impulsively or speaking out against the White House, maybe they could try using their music and influence to educate people about the issues at hand? Like, SZA's "peak dark" comment was so refreshing - she didn't let them get under her skin 
. And honestly, I think it's time for us as a society to start being more critical of the information we consume online 
. We can't just blindly share memes and videos without thinking about where they're coming from or what kind of impact they might have 
. Let's use our platforms for good, not evil 
!
meanwhile, people are getting more worked up over this than actual issues like immigration reform or whatever 
I'm so done with Trump's propaganda machine 
! They're literally turning pop stars into pawns in their game of hate & xenophobia 
Sabrina Carpenter thought she was making a stand, but ended up fueling the fire 
. Now it's like they're trying to turn us all into mindless drones 
. I mean, what's next? Using Ed Sheeran's music to promote their " border security" agenda 
? The thought alone gives me chills 
. Artists need to wake up & use their platforms for good, not just react impulsively when they're called out 
. We need more nuance, more awareness, more education 
. And btw, what's with the "peak dark" label from SZA? That's some extra shade 
. Newsflash: if you don't want your music being used to promote hate, maybe don't make a scene about it? Like, Carpenter says her song is "evil and disgusting" but that just makes people curious 
. And honestly, who's really surprised by this? It's all just part of the game, folks 
. And now we're seeing more artists speaking out, like Olivia Rodrigo and SZA 
.
. But I think some of these artists could try to take a different approach 
, but if we want to make a real difference, we need to stay informed and think critically 
. We can't just give attention to the White House's propaganda efforts, or they'll just keep winning 
u no how its always rly bad news rn? so like sabrina carpenter tries 2 condemn ICE using her song & the white house is all "oh she's being dramatic" 
. I get why she was upset, but now everyone's talking about the White House responding and using her song in a sick way... it's just fueling the fire 
. And what's with all these pop stars getting caught up in this? It feels like they're just pawns in Trump's game of psychological manipulation 
. Maybe they should try to use their platforms for good, educate people about the real issues and not just react impulsively... that would be a great way to take back control 
.
. It's like they're playing a twisted game of cat and mouse with these pop stars, trying to make them look like they're supporting their hate agenda 
It's easy for me, I'm retired and not in their crosshairs 
.