White House Fires Back at SZA After She Calls Out Their ‘Rage Baiting’ Video
The White House is facing criticism from SZA after using her song in a post promoting ICE operations. The singer called out the administration for what she described as “rage baiting” artists to get free publicity.
The controversy began when the White House shared a video on social media showing ICE agents arresting immigrants. They used SZA’s song Big Boy, which first appeared in a 2022 SNL sketch, to accompany the clip. The post referenced the song’s lyrics, saying, “We heard it’s cuffing szn. Bad news for criminal illegal aliens. Great news for America.”
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
SZA responded on Twitter, writing, “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, saying, “Trying to provoke [artists] to respond in order to help spread propaganda and political agendas is nasty business. Knock it off.”
The White House replied to her comments through spokeswoman Abigail Jackson. In a statement to Variety, she said, “Thank you, SZA.” Jackson also sarcastically added that SZA had helped highlight “the tremendous work America’s ICE officers are doing by arresting dangerous criminal illegal aliens from American communities.”
This incident adds to a growing list of artists who have criticized the administration for using their music without permission to promote political messages.
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