President Donald Trump addressing the press at the White House on May 12, 2026.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
The Trump administration has waded into the fervor surrounding Drake’s latest musical release, sparking immediate controversy after the White House shared a digitally altered version of the rapper’s new Iceman album artwork.
The official White House account posted the modified graphic on X this Friday (May 15), coinciding with Drake’s surprise triple-album drop, which included Iceman alongside Maid of Honour and Habibti. While the original imagery features a hand adorned with a crystal-encrusted, Michael Jackson-inspired glove, the administration’s edit substitutes the accessory with a chain necklace bearing a “MAGA” pendant.
The post was accompanied by the brief, provocative caption: “ICED OUT.”
Billboard has reached out to representatives for Drake seeking a statement regarding the post.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has attempted to leverage trending pop culture for social media engagement, often with polarizing results. Previous instances involving the unauthorized use of music from artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter—specifically to promote Department of Homeland Security immigration policies—drew sharp rebukes from both the performers and their fanbases.
The reaction to the altered Drizzy cover has followed a similar trajectory, with the comment section flooded by dissatisfied users. “Gas is $12 trillion a gallon and you’re posting memes,” one user remarked, while another lamented, “I feel like I’m trapped in the worst possible timeline.”
Beyond the initial outrage, internet users have begun creating their own satirical edits of the image to highlight various political controversies surrounding the former president. One prominent modification replaces the “MAGA” pendant with the name “Epstein,” a direct reference to the lingering questions regarding the twice-impeached politician’s ties to the late, disgraced financier. The president has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding his association with Epstein, who died by suicide while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.
Billboard has also requested comment from the White House regarding the public backlash.
