**Semisonic Criticizes White House for Misusing “Closing Time” in Deportation Video**
US rock band Semisonic has publicly condemned the White House for using their song “Closing Time” in a social media post that featured a deportee in shackles. The Trump administration shared the video on Monday, just two days after the controversial deportation of hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members to a supermax prison in El Salvador. The video, which depicted deportees boarding a plane, included the song’s lyrics: “You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here.”
In response to the video, Semisonic stated, “We did not authorize or condone the White House’s use of our song in any way. And no, they didn’t ask. The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely.”
When questioned about the video, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked, “Our entire government clearly is leaning into the message of this president.”
On Saturday, US District Judge James E. Boasberg had issued a temporary order blocking the deportations, but lawyers informed him that two planes were already en route—one to El Salvador and the other to Honduras. Leavitt confirmed that over 200 deported individuals were members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, which originated in a notorious prison in Venezuela.
Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, stated that those deported were denied due process and were not known to have committed any crimes in the United States or El Salvador.
**Conclusion:** How do you feel about the use of music in political messaging?
**FAQs:**
– **Why did Semisonic criticize the White House?**
Semisonic criticized the White House for using their song “Closing Time” in a video related to deportations, stating it misrepresented the song’s message of joy and hope.
