Semisonic sparks debate saying they 'didn't authorize' White House to use their song in deportation video

WASHINGTON, DC: Semisonic’s biggest hit might be forever linked to late-’90s nostalgia, but the band isn’t thrilled about its latest use.

The Minneapolis rock group is calling out President Donald Trump's White House after a government-produced video used their 1998 anthem 'Closing Time' to soundtrack footage of undocumented immigrants being deported.

And let’s just say, they are not happy about it.

White House’s deportation video sparks outrage

On Monday, March 17, the Trump administration posted a short clip on X featuring Border Patrol agents patting down and escorting two handcuffed men of color onto a plane for deportation.

The entire scene played out to the unmistakable sounds of 'Closing Time' - the song that’s blasted at last call in bars across America, making everyone suddenly nostalgic and a little too emotional.

But instead of conjuring up memories of blurry college nights, this version of 'Closing Time' took on a rather controversial meaning. It was now being repurposed as an anthem for Trump’s hardline deportation policies - something Semisonic wanted absolutely no part of, according to Billboard.

Semisonic fires back at White House's use of their song in deportation video

"We did not authorize or condone the White House’s use of our song in any way," the band declared in a statement, immediately distancing themselves from Trump’s politics.

"And no, they didn’t ask. The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely," they added.

For those unfamiliar with 'Closing Time’s legacy, the song was Semisonic’s breakout hit from their album 'Feeling Strangely Fine' - topping the Alternative Airplay chart for five weeks and reaching No 8 on Pop Airplay.

Its lyrics — sung by frontman Dan Wilson — paint a picture of a bar closing down for the night as Wilson belts the now-iconic line, “Closing time, you don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here.”

Not exactly the anthem of mass deportations, but here we are.

Internet divided on usage of 'Closing Time' in deportation video

Social media descended into chaos as soon as Semisonic made their stance known. Some fans were relieved to hear the band disavow Trump’s use of their song.

"Relieved to hear this, thank you for clearing it up," one X user posted.

"Artists should have control over how their music is used. Good on you for speaking up," another wrote.

"When will maga realize, no one likes them?" a comment read.

But not everyone was on board with Semisonic’s response. Trump supporters wasted no time torching the band, accusing them of being out of touch, irrelevant, or just plain whiny.

"I am totally joyful illegal criminals are being deported and very hopeful again for our country. I feel like the song hit the point pretty well. Also, you have not been relevant in many years so stfu," one remarked.

"We don’t care. They only used a clip of your sh**ty song, which falls under free and fair use laws. Cope, you washed-up has-beens," another snarked.

"You're right -- it is about joy, possibilities, and hope. I feel joy that these criminals are not able to harm Americans anymore, am amazed by the possibilities they have in front of them to choose a new life path, and I hope America will be safer with them gone," someone else chimed in.

"How disappointing. I've been a fan since buying CDs and calling in to radio shows was the way to hear you. Over it. Over you. Over artists, musicians, and actors forgetting their place and pretending their political opinions matter to people who just wanted to enjoy their art," another offered.

Trump’s history of using music without permission

Semisonic’s outrage is nothing new. Trump has been making a lot of enemies among musicians and their bands by using songs without approval, a trend that’s been happening since his first campaign in 2016.

Artists ranging from Beyonce to Foo Fighters, Celine Dion to The White Stripes have all publicly distanced themselves from Trump after he used their songs without asking, and some even took legal action.

Even last year alone, several musicians -- including Isaac Hayes and the estates of legendary artists -- spoke out against the Trump campaign’s unauthorized use of their music. 

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