Olivia Rodrigo Reflects on Her Discomfort with DHS Using Her Music in Controversial ICE Campaign
Olivia Rodrigo Criticizes Government Use of Her Music for Immigration Enforcement
In a recent interview with British Vogue, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo expressed her disbelief over the U.S. government’s use of her music to promote Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Describing the situation as “disturbing,” her remarks reflect a growing concern among artists regarding the use of their work for controversial purposes.
In the article published on March 19, Rodrigo revealed her shock upon learning that her song “All-American Bitch,” from her album Guts, was used in footage by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that depicted immigration enforcement actions. “That was awful. Dystopian,” Rodrigo stated, highlighting the unsettling nature of the pairing.
“The way that ICE is ripping apart communities and terrorizing people is so disturbing,” she added, emphasizing the emotional toll of current immigration practices. “It’s a really sad, scary time.”
The specific incident occurred in November when the DHS utilized “All-American Bitch” in a campaign that threatened undocumented individuals with “consequences” for not opting to “self-deport” via the Trump administration’s CBP Home app. Rodrigo responded strongly on social media, declaring, “don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda.”
This isn’t the first time the Grammy-winning artist has spoken out against ICE. Alongside other prominent musicians, she has condemned the agency’s tactics, particularly in relation to mass deportations and violence against protestors, noting the tragic deaths of individuals such as Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of officers in Minneapolis.
In the British Vogue interview, Rodrigo also offered insights into her upcoming album, revealing that it is about 70% complete. According to her, while many songs delve into the theme of love, they also explore the complexities of relationships, often infused with “sad love songs” that resonate deeply. She shared, “[I thought] that the second I’m in a really great relationship, I’m gonna start feeling good about myself, and this stuff is going to fall into place. But it just doesn’t work like that.”
For her fans, the anticipation builds not only for new music but also for her stance on significant sociopolitical issues.
