Sabrina Carpenter, Franklin the Turtle Publisher Condemn Trump Administration’s Social Media Use

Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter and Kids Can Press, the publisher behind Franklin the Turtle, have publicly rejected the Trump administration’s use of their artistic works. This response comes after Carpenter’s song “Juno” was featured in a controversial video associated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.

Condemnation of Unethical Usage

On social media, Carpenter expressed her outrage, stating that the video was “evil and disgusting.” She insisted that her music should not be used to support what she called an “inhumane agenda.” The Trump administration’s video included a quote from her song, which Carpenter strongly disapproved of.

Franklin the Turtle’s Publisher Reacts

Kids Can Press also voiced their disapproval over another incident involving the character Franklin the Turtle. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a manipulated image depicting Franklin armed with a bazooka, accompanied by the phrase “Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists.”

The publisher condemned this use of Franklin’s image, emphasizing that it contradicts their core values. They stressed a commitment to protecting the character’s integrity and promoting positive messages.

Background on U.S. Operations and Artistic Disapproval

These incidents occur amid the Trump administration’s ongoing military efforts targeting drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. Since early September, over 80 fatalities have been associated with these military operations.

The frustrations expressed by Carpenter and Kids Can Press are part of a broader pattern. Numerous artists have previously objected to the administration’s use of their works, including:

• ABBA
• Bruce Springsteen
• Olivia Rodrigo
• Rihanna
• Phil Collins
• Pharrell
• John Fogerty
• Semisonic
• Neil Young
• Eddy Grant
• Panic! at the Disco
• R.E.M.
• Guns N’ Roses
• Celine Dion
• Beyoncé
• Adele

Artists continue to take stands against the appropriateness of using their creative work for political agendas. Their voices represent a vital aspect of the ongoing dialogue about art, integrity, and political messaging.