Staff Reports
The recent actions of the Trump administration have once again ruffled feathers, but this time it’s not the usual suspects among the political elite. The release of a captivating but controversial video showcasing the deportation of gang members linked to the Tren de Aragua gang has drawn immediate backlash from certain corners, showing just how deeply entrenched the opposition is against any effective immigration enforcement.
In a collaboration with El Salvador, the Trump administration is taking decisive action by shipping those associated with violent gangs to a prison specifically designed for such criminals. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat the flow of gang violence that has plagued American neighborhoods. However, in response, members of the press quickly rushed to defend the deportees, arguing they were not afforded due process. Ironically enough, that sentiment is often absent when discussing the rights of American citizens impacted by these lawless elements.
Adding a twist to the saga, the band Semisonic decided to weigh in, chastising the administration for using their hit “Closing Time” in the video. While it is certainly cute that a band from the late ’90s is clutching their pearls over music usage, one must wonder if they remember what “Closing Time” truly signifies—a signal to wrap things up. Perhaps they ought to reconsider the metaphor they’re invoking since their opposition to the deportation initiative is about as relevant today as cassette tapes.
Band Blasts White House for Using Its Song in Gang Deportation Video, but They Should Be Thanking Trumphttps://t.co/SRbB3iGgod
— RedState (@RedState) March 18, 2025
For many, the outrage expressed by Semisonic might have served as unintentional comic relief, considering that the band’s music was all but forgotten until it resurfaced in this unexpected context. Social media lit up with curious queries about who this band even is, showcasing how quickly the passage of time can render some cultural references obsolete. This situation presents an opportunity for Semisonic: they have managed to stir public interest in their music once again. All publicity can be seen as good publicity, but it surely begs the question of priorities for a band that seemingly vanished from the charts.
As for the legality of the White House using this song, it’s likely that they are fully within their rights since music licensing often permits such uses when properly obtained. Many artists have expressed discontent with their music being played at political rallies, but rarely do they follow up with legal action. This tells a story—most musicians know their work is part of a broader conversation and licensing would have covered the White House’s use.
In the grand scheme of things, this uproar only draws more attention to the necessary task at hand—removing dangerous criminals from American streets. The fact that Semisonic’s moment in the spotlight came during such a significant operation should have them acknowledging the events that led to their resurgence. While they may have lost the narrative on the importance of deporting dangerous individuals, they’ve certainly resurrected their relevance, proving once again that in politics and music, timing is everything.
