Karoline Leavitt calls out Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish for ‘demonizing’ ICE at 2026 Grammys

WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized Grammy Awards 2026 presenters and performers for anti-ICE remarks. She called their comments “ironic” and said Hollywood elites prioritize the rights of undocumented immigrants over American citizens.

The remarks came after several artists, including Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny, used their Grammy stage time to denounce President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and wear anti-ICE pins.

Karoline Leavitt slams musicians’ anti‑ICE remarks at 2026 Grammys

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the singers’ comments while speaking to reporters outside the White House.

“I think it’s very ironic and frankly sad to see celebrities who live in gated communities, with private security, [and] with millions of dollars to spend protecting themselves trying to just demonize law enforcement,” Leavitt said.

She accused Bad Bunny and other A-listers of ignoring attacks on American women by illegal immigrants during former President Joe Biden’s term.

“You didn’t hear this same kind of uproar from celebrities in Hollywood when the previous administration allowed an invasion of our nation’s borders and allowed innocent women and girls like Jocelyn Nungaray and Laken Riley to be killed and r**ed and murdered at the hands of people who should have never been in our country in the first place,” Leavitt said.

Grammys 2026 stage turns into anti-ICE rally

An unprecedented number of musicians spoke out against ICE during the Donald Trump administration at the 2026 Grammys. Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas O’Connell, wore “ICE Out” pins as part of their looks.

Later, when the pair took the stage to accept the award for Song of the Year for their track 'Wildflower', Eilish declared, “No one is illegal on stolen land, F*ck ICE.”

Bad Bunny used his acceptance speech for Best Musica Urbana Album for 'Debi Tirar Mas Fotos' to say, “Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say 'ICE out.' We're not savage. We're not animals. We're not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans."

Olivia Dean, who won the Grammy for Best New Artist, spoke in support of immigrants during her acceptance speech.

“I'm up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,” Dean said. “I'm a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”

Kehlani, who also wore an “ICE Out” pin, criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on the 2026 Grammys carpet.

“I wanted to say 'F*ck ICE,'” Kehlani told the outlet. “But I think they needed some couth on the carpet or something. I'm a little couthless ruthless. I think everybody, we’re too powerful of a group to all be in a room at the same time and not make some kind of statement in our country, so it’s brainless to me." 

She continued on stage, emphasizing collective action.

“Together, we’re stronger in numbers, [and must] to speak against all the injustice going on in the world right now,” Kehlani said. “I hope everybody’s inspired to join together as a community of artists and speak out against what’s going on. F**k ICE."

Shaboozey, accepting his first Grammy, honored immigrants.

“Immigrants built this country, literally. So this is for them, for all children of immigrants,” he said. “This is also for those who came to this country in search of a better opportunity to be part of a nation that promised freedom for all and equal opportunity to everyone willing to work for it. Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories and your traditions here. You give America color. I love y’all so much."