Olivia Rodrigo on Why Speaking Out About Political Causes Matters to Her

Olivia Rodrigo is making her voice heard on the issues that matter to her, and she recently opened up about why activism is central to her identity as an artist.

The 23-year-old has been vocal on a range of causes, including Black Lives Matter, Gaza, and reproductive rights. She's also taken aim at the Trump administration after her song "all-american bitch" appeared in a pro-ICE video without her consent.

In an interview with Dazed Digital, Rodrigo explained her approach to using her platform for advocacy. "I think part of being an artist is sharing how you feel with other people. I don't have a political science degree, I'm not the most educated person on planet Earth, but I like to try and stay up to date on things and share how I feel," she said.

The incident with her song being used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement particularly struck a nerve. Rodrigo described discovering the video while scrolling through her phone and the visceral reaction it provoked. "It was so deeply disturbing to see that propaganda, and the fact it was my song in there made me feel even more enraged. What they're doing is so awful and barbaric and cruel. I am really sad to be in a country that thinks that's OK," she expressed.

The controversy prompted Rodrigo to respond publicly on social media in November, posting a direct message to the Department of Homeland Security: "Don't ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda."

While many artists have objected to their music being used by the Trump administration, the situation remains contentious within the entertainment industry.