Wed Dec 03 05:48:24 UTC 2025: ## Artists and Children’s Publishers Condemn Trump Administration’s Use of Their Work
Washington D.C. – The Trump administration is facing a wave of backlash after using copyrighted material from pop singer Sabrina Carpenter and children’s publisher Kids Can Press without permission, drawing strong condemnation from both parties.
Carpenter, whose song “Juno” from her latest album was used in a White House video depicting ICE raids, denounced the video as “evil and disgusting,” demanding the administration cease using her music to promote its “inhumane agenda.” The White House responded with a dismissive statement, doubling down on its immigration policies.
Meanwhile, Kids Can Press, the publisher of the beloved Canadian children’s character Franklin the Turtle, condemned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of a manipulated image depicting Franklin wielding a bazooka. The image, captioned “Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists,” was posted on X.
“Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity,” Kids Can Press stated, adding that they “strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of Franklin’s name or image.”
The incident involving Hegseth is particularly sensitive, as he is currently under scrutiny for allegedly ordering a second deadly strike on survivors of a previous attack on an alleged drug-smuggling boat, leading to calls for a war crimes investigation.
Carpenter and Kids Can Press join a growing list of artists who have objected to the Trump administration’s use of their work. Kenny Loggins, Celine Dion, and Beyonce have previously protested the unauthorized use of their music in campaign materials. However, Trump does have some musical supporters, notably Victor Willis, the sole remaining original member of the Village People, who has publicly supported the use of “YMCA” at Trump rallies.
First Piper 