The White House is facing sharp backlash after it posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) that many are calling mocking, dehumanizing, and disturbing. The video celebrates migrant deportations, showing individuals being escorted by border patrol while the upbeat 1969 hit “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” plays in the background, complete with a caption riffing off the song’s chorus.
Critics from across the political spectrum denounced the tone of the video, accusing the Trump administration of turning a painful process into entertainment. One user, claiming to be a veteran, said: “This is not what I fought for.” Another added, “This is state-sponsored dehumanisation — with a soundtrack.”
Many compared it to fascist propaganda, while others pointed out the inappropriateness of using popular culture to score such policies. The reaction was similar last month when the White House used Semisonic’s “Closing Time” in another deportation-themed video. The band condemned the use, stating the song was about “joy and possibilities,” and its message was distorted.
Despite the outrage, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, saying the video reflects the administration’s firm stance on illegal immigration. She added, “Our entire government is clearly leaning into the message of the President.”
President Donald Trump, now in his second term, has repeatedly promised mass deportations, calling it the “largest deportation effort in U.S. history.” The White House claims border crossings have dropped dramatically, with just 7,181 illegal immigrants encountered in March 2025, down over 95% from March 2024.
However, critics argue that the tone and approach—especially the use of upbeat music to underscore deportations—“shits on American values.” As one user sarcastically remarked, “We’ll be singing this when Trump is impeached again.”
