Trump Administration Puts ‘MAGA’ Twist on Drake’s ‘Iceman’ Album Cover, Sparking Controversy
The Trump administration has entered the conversation surrounding Drake’s latest album, Iceman, by sharing an edited version of the album cover that has sparked significant backlash. The edited artwork was posted by the White House on X on May 15, the same day Drake released Iceman along with two surprise albums, Maid of Honour and Habibti.
The original album cover features a hand wearing a crystal glove reminiscent of Michael Jackson. However, the White House’s altered version depicts the same hand holding a chain necklace with a “MAGA” pendant. The caption on the post reads, “ICED OUT.”
Billboard has contacted Drake’s representative for a statement regarding the edited cover.
The Trump administration has a history of leveraging popular music for publicity. This strategy has not been without controversy, as the administration faced criticism for using songs by Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter to promote immigration enforcement practices that were widely protested.
The response to the Drake cover edit has been similarly critical, with many fans posting their displeasure in the comment section. One user remarked, “Gas is 12 trillion dollars a gallon and y’all on here playing around!” Another added, “I’m in the worst timeline, man.”
In a wave of backlash, some individuals have further edited the White House’s version of the Iceman cover to highlight political controversies surrounding Trump. Notably, one modification replaces the pendant with the name “Epstein,” referencing the twice-impeached former president’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein, whose involvement in sex trafficking has been widely publicized. Trump has denied any wrongdoing regarding Epstein.
Billboard has also reached out to the White House for their comments on the ensuing backlash.
