‘Cruel’: White House video sparks global backlash

A beloved ‘90s rock band has slammed the White House after their song was used in a ‘disgusting’ meme video.

The official White House and U.S. Customs and Border Protection X accounts have been slammed after posting a meme video showing men in shackles as they board a plane out of the country.

The controversial clip shows authorities patting down illegal immigrants to the tune of ‘90s cult classic song Closing Time. As the men are processed, the voice of Semisonic lead singer Dan Wilson rings out: “Closing time, you don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here”.

“It’s closing time. We are making America safe again,” the White House declared.

People were quick to slam the video as "disgusting". Picture: X/White House

The clip, which has gathered over 5 million views in under ten hours, has left the internet divided with many branding the video “cruel” and “disgusting”.

“Stop treating deportation like it’s some kind of meme. This is gross”, one user said.

Although, others swiftly disagreed saying, “this is awesome” and “give their social media manager a raise”.

The clip comes after more than 250 alleged members of a Venezuelan gang were deported by the US to be sent to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador on Saturday.

Rock band Semisonic were quick to denounce the use of their 1998 hit.

“We did not authorize or condone the White House’s use of our song in any way. And no, they didn’t ask”, the band said in a statement shared by its publicist. “The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely.”

Beloved US rock band hit out at the White House. Picture: @SemisonicBand on X

Despite the backlash, the White House has doubled down on the clip saying it “sums up our immigration policy pretty well: You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”

Originally published as ‘Cruel’: White House video sparks global backlash