SZA calls White House’s use of song in immigration promo video ‘evil’

SZA poses for photos at an event

SZA poses in the press room at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on April 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

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(NewsNation) — SZA criticized the Trump administration for using her song “Big Boys” in an immigration video, calling it “evil” and “boring.”

The singer-songwriter took to the social platform X to express her disapproval after the White House account posted a video promoting the arrest of undocumented immigrants.

“White House rage baiting artists for free promo is PEAK DARK ..inhumanity +shock and aw tactics ..Evil n Boring,” SZA wrote on X on Wednesday.

On Monday, the White House posted a 30-second promo video showing federal agents dressed in military-style gear arresting suspected undocumented immigrants. The opening lyrics, sung by SZA, included the phrase, “It’s cuffing season.”

“WE HEARD IT’S CUFFING SZN,” the caption read, with a chain link emoji. “Bad news for criminal illegal aliens. Great news for America.”

The Grammy Award winner joins a growing list of music artists who aren’t pleased with their songs being used in political messaging.

Last week, the White House used Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Juno” in another immigration promo video in a move the singer also called “evil.”

“This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda,” Carpenter wrote in a post on X.

Olivia Rodrigo, Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M. and Linkin Park are among other musicians who have expressed their discontent with the Trump administration using their music without approval.

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