Grammy-winning artist SZA just slammed the Trump administration for using her hit single Big Boys in a highly controversial immigration enforcement video, as per The Hill. The singer-songwriter did not hold back her personal feelings, calling the White House’s behavior “evil” and “boring” after the video was posted online earlier this week.
SZA took to X to express her total disapproval, reacting strongly to the administration’s use of music to promote the arrest of undocumented immigrants. She called the whole stunt “PEAK DARK,” arguing that the White House was trying to “rage bait” artists just to get free promotion. “White House rage baiting artists for free promo is PEAK DARK ..inhumanity +shock and aw tactics ..Evil n Boring,” SZA wrote.
Honestly, using a popular song for something so serious is already a risky move, but the context here is particularly jarring. The 30-second promo video showed federal agents dressed in heavy, military-style gear arresting suspected undocumented immigrants. The video used the opening lyrics sung by SZA, which include the phrase, “It’s cuffing season.”
The White House stoops to a new low as it drags another artist into its agenda
The White House account doubled down on the reference in the video’s caption, which read, “WE HEARD IT’S CUFFING SZN,” along with a chain link emoji. The post concluded with the message, “Bad news for criminal illegal aliens. Great news for America.” You have to admit, that’s a pretty cynical way to twist the meaning of a catchy pop song.
President Trump’s administration is getting pushback from the music community. SZA isn’t the first artist to be completely displeased with her work being appropriated for political messaging, especially when it goes against her personal beliefs. Just last week, pop star Sabrina Carpenter also had her song Juno used in a similar immigration promo video by the White House.
If you’re a fan of Carpenter, you know she’s usually pretty bubbly, so her reaction was definitely striking. “This video is evil and disgusting,” Carpenter wrote in a post online, adding, “Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.” That’s a powerful statement, and it shows just how frustrated artists are when their work is used to push agendas they don’t support.
Artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M., and Linkin Park have all previously expressed their discontent regarding the use of their music by President Trump’s campaign or administration. It puts musicians in a tough spot when their creative work is co-opted for political messaging, especially when that messaging completely clashes with the artist’s intended vibe or political stance.
For music fans, it’s disappointing to see favorite tracks used in ways that feel manipulative or disingenuous. SZA’s reaction sums up the frustration perfectly: using music meant for entertainment or connection as a tool for political “shock and aw tactics” is absolutely peak dark behavior.
Published: Dec 12, 2025 03:00 pm