White House 'Thanks' SZA for Amplifying Its Misguided Tactics with Public Backlash.
The White House has fired back at Grammy-winning artist SZA, thanking her for drawing attention to its "tremendous work" in enforcing immigration laws. The administration's response came after SZA slammed the Trump administration's use of popular songs as a tool for "rage baiting," labeling its tactic as "evil."
In a statement to Variety, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson sarcastically praised SZA for drawing attention to the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, saying that her criticism has only made them more visible. The administration's attempt at damage control appears to be a misguided strategy, as it highlights its own propensity for using provocative tactics to elicit responses from artists.
This isn't the first time the White House has resorted to this tactic. In November, Olivia Rodrigo disavowed the use of her song "All-American Bitch" in a video glorifying ICE, while Sabrina Carpenter condemned a similar video featuring her track "Juno" as "evil and disgusting." The administration's attempts at co-opting popular music for its own purposes have been met with widespread criticism from artists, politicians, and human rights organizations.
By attempting to thank SZA for amplifying its misguided tactics, the White House risks further alienating itself from the public and undermining its credibility on issues of immigration and national security.
The White House has fired back at Grammy-winning artist SZA, thanking her for drawing attention to its "tremendous work" in enforcing immigration laws. The administration's response came after SZA slammed the Trump administration's use of popular songs as a tool for "rage baiting," labeling its tactic as "evil."
In a statement to Variety, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson sarcastically praised SZA for drawing attention to the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, saying that her criticism has only made them more visible. The administration's attempt at damage control appears to be a misguided strategy, as it highlights its own propensity for using provocative tactics to elicit responses from artists.
This isn't the first time the White House has resorted to this tactic. In November, Olivia Rodrigo disavowed the use of her song "All-American Bitch" in a video glorifying ICE, while Sabrina Carpenter condemned a similar video featuring her track "Juno" as "evil and disgusting." The administration's attempts at co-opting popular music for its own purposes have been met with widespread criticism from artists, politicians, and human rights organizations.
By attempting to thank SZA for amplifying its misguided tactics, the White House risks further alienating itself from the public and undermining its credibility on issues of immigration and national security.
! But, honestly, can't they just chill? 
The way they're trying to spin this is super shady 
. I mean, who tries to thank someone for calling out their toxic tactics? 
It's like saying "thanks" for pointing out the elephant in the room 
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Like, come on! Can't they just have real conversations about serious issues? 
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. If they keep playing hardball, people will keep speaking truth to power 
. Bring it on! 
. The White House is literally trying to spin this as a win, but really they're just proving how out touch they are 
. Like, SZA was right on point about using popular songs for "rage baiting" - it's not even subtle anymore. And now they're thanking her for amplifying their bad moves? That's like trying to give a prize to someone who's just exposed your dirty laundry 
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. And let's not forget how many other artists have spoken out against this tactic - Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, what's next? The whole thing is just a mess 
.
. I mean what's up with trying to turn immigration policies into some kinda patriotic love fest? It's just not how it works 
. Maybe instead of playing damage control, they should just listen to what people are saying and work on actually making a difference 
... i think sza's reaction is actually a huge win for her career, she's now got a platform to talk about what really matters - using our voices to speak truth to power 
. i feel so bad 4 sza for speaking out, she's actually using her platform 2 make a difference 
. btw, who even thinks this is a good strategy? 
. It's like, yeah, we get it, you're trying to enforce immigration laws, but can't you do it in a way that doesn't involve manipulating artists into being part of your PR campaign? 
. The White House's response comes across as arrogant and dismissive, rather than acknowledging the concerns that SZA and other artists are rightfully raising. It's like they're saying "Hey, we know our methods might be questionable, but thanks for bringing us more attention!" 
. It's all about perspective and accountability, folks! 
. Maybe instead of trying to thank her for amplifying their message, they should be listening to what she has to say? 
. Meanwhile, artists are still speaking truth to power and standing up against injustice 
. They're basically admitting that their tactic of using popular songs for "rage baiting" is flawed and that they need to rethink their approach 
.