Pop star Sabrina Carpenter and the Canadian publisher of the popular children’s character Franklin the turtle have both publicly rejected the Trump administration’s use of their music and imagery to promote its policies.
Sabrina Carpenter took to Twitter to denounce the administration’s inclusion of her song “Juno” in a video montage showcasing ICE raids, labeling the video as “evil and disgusting.” She made it clear that she did not want her music associated with such inhumane actions.
Similarly, the publisher of Franklin the turtle, Kids Can Press, expressed their disapproval of a post by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth featuring a manipulated image of Franklin holding a bazooka. In a statement, they emphasized Franklin’s status as a beloved Canadian icon representing kindness, empathy, and inclusivity, condemning any disrespectful or violent use of the character’s image.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell responded to the controversy by suggesting that Franklin the turtle would not support the actions of drug cartels, highlighting the values of kindness and empathy that the character embodies.
The Trump administration has faced backlash from numerous artists and performers for using their music without permission, with notable names like Abba, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Adele among those who have objected to their songs being associated with the administration’s agenda.
