From Rolling Stone · Daniel Kreps · · 1m 20s
Zara Larsson blasts Trump White House for ICE deportation video
The Swedish singer condemned the administration for using her song to soundtrack immigration enforcement clips.
In brief
The Swedish singer condemned the administration for using her song to soundtrack immigration enforcement clips. Artists have little control over how their music gets used by powerful institutions, even when the message contradicts their values. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
White House uses Larsson's hit for ICE video
The Trump administration posted a TikTok showing ICE agents arresting people, set to Zara Larsson's 'Midnight Sun,' with the caption 'Never ending deportations.'
Larsson responds with emotional TikTok
The Swedish singer posted a video saying her heart was heavy and expressing a wish to speak with whoever made the video about their shared humanity.
“I'm just sad. My heart is heavy seeing that.”
She emphasizes luck and circumstance
Larsson highlighted how being born in Sweden with education and opportunities was luck, not merit, and questioned why undocumented immigrants seeking better lives are treated as threats.
“The biggest difference between us is that we were dealt a different hand in life.”
Larsson calls the video dehumanizing
The artist expressed frustration that the White House used her music to soundtrack what she saw as a dehumanizing portrayal of people seeking better lives for themselves and their families.
Latest artist to have song hijacked
Larsson joins a growing list of musicians whose work has been repurposed by the Trump administration for political messaging without their consent or approval.
What to remember
Artists have little control over how their music gets used by powerful institutions, even when the message contradicts their values.
