WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House published a TikTok video featuring a version of Ariana Grande's 2024 song "Bye" as its audio, depicting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arresting and handcuffing individuals. On February 22, 2026, Grande commented on the video, requesting the administration stop using her music.
Grande's comment stated: "Please do not ever use my music in relation to this barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense. Fck ice." A spokesperson for Grande confirmed that she authored the comment. Her representatives also sought to remove the audio from the TikTok video, and the audio was stripped from the video shortly after Grande posted her comment.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson issued a statement addressing Grande's comment. "We’ll say this one last time: what’s actually barbaric, inhumane, and heinous are the criminal illegal aliens who have injured and murdered innocent American citizens." Jackson said.
In September 2025, Grande shared an Instagram post criticizing the administration for ICE operations and rhetoric regarding transgender individuals. This post, originally written by activist Matt Bernstein, prompted a response from White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai.
"Save your tears, Ariana. Because President Trump’s actions ended Joe Biden’s inflation crisis and are bringing in trillions in new investment." Desai stated. He added, "He even signed an executive order just like magic that paved the way for the FTC to crack down on Ticketmaster for ripping off Ariana Grande’s concert-going fans. Get well soon, Ariana!"
Grande supported Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election. She also performed at a 2014 White House event for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Grande is currently conducting her "Eternal Sunshine" concert tour and is scheduled to perform at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on a Saturday. At the time of reporting regarding the TikTok video, Grande's comment was not publicly visible on the post.