ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Zara Larsson Condemns White House for Using 'Midnight Sun' in Deportation Video

other · 2026-09-18

Zara Larsson, the Swedish pop sensation, has voiced her disapproval of the White House for featuring her track "Midnight Sun" in a TikTok clip depicting immigration enforcement raids, labeled "never ending deportations." Although the song was taken down, the video remains accessible. In her response video, Larsson described the footage as "dehumanising," asserting, "These people in this video – they're real people," and highlighted that many undocumented individuals are merely pursuing a better life. She accused the White House of fostering "division." Her reaction has garnered over 4.2 million views. This incident follows her previous criticism of President Trump for using her song "Lush Life." Other musicians, like Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift, have also protested the administration's use of their work. The BBC has reached out to the White House for a statement.

Key facts

  • Zara Larsson condemned the White House for using her song 'Midnight Sun' in a TikTok video showing immigration enforcement raids.
  • The video was captioned 'never ending deportations,' referencing Larsson's lyrics 'never-ending midnight sun.'
  • The song has been removed from the post, but the video remains on the White House's TikTok feed.
  • Larsson posted a three-minute reaction video calling the clip 'dehumanising,' which has over 4.2 million views on TikTok.
  • The original reel splices together videos of ICE agents and other US law enforcement handcuffing men and putting them into vehicles.
  • Larsson previously condemned a video of President Donald Trump dancing overlaid with her hit 'Lush Life' earlier this year.
  • Other artists including Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and Olivia Rodrigo have also objected to the Trump administration's use of their music.
  • The BBC has contacted the White House for comment.

Entities

Artists

  • Zara Larsson
  • Sabrina Carpenter
  • Ariana Grande
  • Taylor Swift
  • Olivia Rodrigo
  • Donald Trump

Institutions

  • White House
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  • BBC
  • TikTok

Locations

  • Sweden
  • United States

Sources

Related stories