SEMISONIC SLAM White House’s use of their song “CLOSING TIME” in a DEPORTATION VIDEO.

In a video posted to the White House’s official Twitter/X account on Monday (March 17th), Semisonic’s hit 1998 song “Closing Time” can be heard playing over footage of the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) handcuffing and searching detainees.

In the caption of the video, The White House quoted the popular track’s lyrics, writing: “Closing Time:” “You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here.”

Since the video was posted, Semisonic has confirmed that they do not approve of the use of the song and were not asked permission.

“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 told Consequence in a statement. “The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely.”