Semisonic Criticizes White House for Featuring ‘Closing Time’ in Deportation Video

Semisonic faced backlash from the White House for using their iconic hit “Closing Time” in a controversial deportation video. The video shared by the official White House account depicted shackled prisoners boarding a plane, with the song’s lyrics featured in the caption. Semisonic swiftly expressed disapproval of this use, highlighting that the song’s theme of positivity and hope was being misinterpreted and distorted in this context.

The band’s response gained traction on the social media platform X, attracting comments from both supporters and critics. Suggestions to pursue legal action against the White House were suggested, but it was revealed that the lead singer and songwriter, Dan Wilson, relinquished control over the song’s rights in a 2021 catalog sale to Primary Wave Music Publishing. As a result, Semisonic no longer holds authority over the song’s public uses.

This incident is not unique, as numerous artists have spoken out against Donald Trump using their songs for political purposes. Celine Dion and her team, along with Sony Music, halted the use of “My Heart Will Go On” by publicly denouncing its unauthorized use. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco publicly demanded that Trump refrain from playing his songs, while Rihanna vehemently opposed the use of “Don’t Stop the Music” at Trump’s campaign events.

Semisonic’s critique of Trump’s utilization of “Closing Time” may be the latest in a series of objections raised by artists against the former president’s choice of music. Despite the song’s positive message of new beginnings and celebration, its inclusion in a deportation video by the White House was met with disapproval from the band. The widespread dissemination of this incident on social media platforms underscores the significance of artists’ control over their music and the messages they convey.

While some fans urged Semisonic to take legal action against the White House for the unauthorized use of their song, the band’s inability to do so due to the relinquishment of song rights underscores the complexities of the music industry and artist control. This scenario serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting artists’ creative rights and intentions, particularly when their work is being used in a manner that contradicts its original meaning and spirit.