White House Responds to SZA After She Calls Out Their ‘Rage Baiting’ Tactic
The White House is facing criticism from SZA after using one of her songs in a pro-ICE social media post. The singer slammed the administration’s move, calling it “evil n Boring” and accusing it of trying to get free promotion by provoking artists.
WE HEARD IT'S CUFFING SZN. ⛓️
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 9, 2025
Bad news for criminal illegal aliens. Great news for America. pic.twitter.com/cuXCdJjxWY
The conflict started when the White House shared a clip featuring SZA’s song Big Boy, originally part of an SNL sketch from December 2022, alongside a video showing ICE agents arresting immigrants. The tweet said, “We heard it’s cuffing szn. Bad news for criminal illegal aliens. Great news for America.”
SZA reacted on Twitter, saying, “White House rage baiting artists for free promo is PEAK DARK ..inhumanity +shock and aw tactics. Evil n Boring.” Her manager, Punch, also spoke out on X, stating, “Trying to provoke [artists] to respond in order to help spread propaganda and political agendas is nasty business. Knock it off.”
Shortly after SZA’s comments, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson responded in a statement to Variety, saying, “Thank you, SZA.” She also sarcastically praised the singer “for drawing even more attention to the tremendous work America’s ICE officers are doing by arresting dangerous criminal illegal aliens from American communities.”
This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between artists and the White House over the use of popular music in political messaging. SZA has joined other artists in criticizing the administration for using their work without permission to push political agendas.
It will be interesting to see if the White House continues this strategy or if more artists speak out. What do you think about the White House using songs in this way? Share your thoughts in the comments.
