Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over Deportation Video Featuring 'Closing Time'

The White House's use of the song in a viral social media post promoting mass deportations has drawn criticism from Semisonic and international officials.

The Trump administration released a video showing deportations set to Semisonic's 'Closing Time,' sparking criticism from the band for unauthorized use and misrepresentation of the song's meaning.
The deportations included 261 individuals, with members of the MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gangs sent to El Salvador despite a federal judge's order to halt the flights.
White House officials defended the deportations, claiming the flights were already in the air when the court order was issued and asserting the judge lacked jurisdiction.
Semisonic condemned the video's use of their song, stating it was unauthorized and contrary to the song's themes of hope and possibilities.
The deportations and video are part of a broader strategy by the administration to promote strict immigration policies through social media engagement.