By The Sampadak Express
A recent video posted by the White House on its official X account has ignited widespread backlash, with critics accusing the Trump administration of dehumanizing vulnerable immigrants. The video, which shows detained migrants being processed for deportation, was set to the upbeat 1983 pop hit “Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)” by UK band Steam.
The footage depicts individuals being escorted by border patrol agents, with the video’s caption echoing the song’s famous chorus: “Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye.” The celebratory tone of the post, which appeared to mock the migrants’ distress, has prompted strong criticism from social media users and advocacy groups alike.
Outrage on Social Media“This is ghoulish behavior. Sociopathic. Shame on you,” one user wrote in response. Another commenter said, “It would be great if you guys stopped with the dehumanizing posts! It’s disgusting.”
Other users were even more outspoken, with one writing, “State-sponsored dehumanization—with a soundtrack. Weaponizing suffering. Mocking lives torn apart. Celebrating cruelty like it’s a game show. This is how fascism talks when it thinks no one can stop it. We see you. And we will stop you.”
White House Defends the Video
In defense of the video, the White House pointed to a significant decrease in illegal immigration at the southern border. A statement released by the administration highlighted a sharp drop in encounters by U.S. Border Patrol, which reported just 7,181 illegal immigrants in March, marking a 95% decrease from 2024 and a 97% decrease from 2022. According to the White House, this statistic underscores the success of the administration’s immigration policies.
Trump Administration’s Controversial Use of Pop Culture
This video isn’t the first time the Trump administration has faced criticism for its use of popular music in its immigration messaging. Last month, a similar video featuring Semisonic’s 1998 hit “Closing Time” sparked controversy. The video showed a man being deported while the song played in the background, with the White House tweeting, “Closing time, you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here,” referencing a line from the song commonly heard in bars signaling the end of the night.
Semisonic quickly distanced themselves from the White House’s use of their song, stating that they had not authorized it. “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. “The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely.”
Semisonic joins a growing list of artists, including Guns N’ Roses, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, who have expressed disapproval over the administration’s use of their music in videos supporting its controversial immigration policies.
Trump Administration Defends Its Position
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the use of the video, stating it accurately reflects President Trump’s stance on immigration. “Our entire government clearly is leaning into the message of the President,” Leavitt remarked.
President Trump has made cracking down on illegal immigration a central focus of his administration, promising one of the largest deportations in U.S. history. While reports indicate that the administration has arrested around 33,000 illegal immigrants and deported hundreds more, its use of controversial tactics and imagery continues to spark debate and criticism.
