Zara Larsson Calls Trump White House ‘Dehumanizing’ for Using ‘Midnight Sun’
Zara Larsson publicly criticized the Trump White House for using her song "Midnight Sun" to soundtrack a TikTok clip of ICE agents arresting people. She called the video dehumanizing and expressed sadness over the misuse of her music. The singer urged viewers to remember the humanity of those in th…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Thursday, Swedish pop star Zara Larsson took to TikTok to voice her dismay at the Trump administration’s use of her hit song "Midnight Sun" in a social‑media clip that showcased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arresting individuals. The clip, accompanied by the caption “Never ending deportations,” was posted by a White House social‑media account, sparking a swift backlash from the singer and her fans.
What Happened?
In her video response, Larsson expressed deep sadness and frustration. She said, “I’m just sad. My heart is heavy seeing that, because I wish I could speak to whoever made that video.” The singer criticized the White House for hijacking her music and for presenting the footage in a way she described as “dehumanizing.” She added that the people in the video are real individuals with families, and that the clip’s tone “creates a massive divide” between viewers and those being portrayed.
Background on the Song and the White House’s Use of Music
"Midnight Sun" is a 2023 single that reflects on nature, connection, and the sense of belonging that comes from being in tune with the world. The track quickly climbed international charts, earning Larsson a spot on several global playlists. The Trump White House has a history of repurposing popular songs for its own messaging. Previous artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ariana Grande have seen their music used in politically charged videos that critics argue distort the original intent of the songs.
The White House’s social‑media strategy often involves pairing music with footage that supports its policy positions. In this case, the clip featured ICE agents detaining individuals, a subject that has long been contentious in U.S. immigration debates. By overlaying Larsson’s uplifting track, the administration aimed to frame the arrests as a routine, almost celebratory act—an approach that many found offensive and misleading.
Larsson’s Response and the Broader Conversation
Larsson’s video was not just a critique of the music choice; it was a broader statement about privilege and empathy. She said, “I consider myself so lucky with the life that I’ve been dealt. The fact that I’m born in Sweden, I’ve had an education and I’ve had all these opportunities just sort of laid out in front of me.” She contrasted this with the reality faced by undocumented immigrants, who often struggle for basic rights and safety.
In her words, “I wish I could talk to you, and I wish I could help you remember that you and I, we aren’t that different at all.” Larsson emphasized that the “biggest difference between us is that we were dealt a different hand in life.” Her message was a call for compassion and a reminder that political messaging should not erase the humanity of the people it depicts.
What’s Next?
While the White House has not yet issued a formal apology or retracted the clip, the incident has reignited discussions about the ethical use of artists’ work in political contexts. Larsson’s outcry has prompted other musicians to speak out, and several advocacy groups are calling for clearer guidelines on how government agencies can legally and ethically use copyrighted music in public communications.
In the coming days, it is expected that the White House will either clarify its position or remove the offending video. Meanwhile, Larsson’s statement has already sparked a wave of support on social media, with fans and fellow artists sharing their own experiences of seeing their music used in ways they did not intend.
Why This Matters
The incident highlights the power of music as a cultural touchstone and the responsibility that comes with its use in political messaging. It also underscores the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States, reminding viewers that behind every statistic are real people with stories and aspirations.
Key facts
- Zara Larsson condemns Trump White House for using "Midnight Sun" in ICE TikTok clip
- The clip’s caption “Never ending deportations” sparked backlash
- Larsson calls the video dehumanizing and urges empathy
- White House has a history of repurposing popular songs for policy messaging
- The incident fuels debate over copyright use in government communications
Why it matters
The incident underscores the ethical considerations of using popular music in political messaging and highlights the human impact of immigration enforcement actions.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the White House use Zara Larsson’s song?
The administration likely chose the track for its popularity and the emotional resonance it could bring to their message.
Has the White House apologized?
No formal apology has been issued yet, but the clip has been removed from some platforms.
What can artists do to protect their work?
Artists can register their songs with copyright offices and monitor usage through platforms that track licensing.
Sources
- [1] rollingstone.com — originally reported as “Zara Larsson Slams Trump White House for Using 'Midnight Sun' in ICE Video: 'So Dehumanizing'”
