One British pop star’s outrage over a viral White House video has ignited a global debate about the power, ethics, and consequences of meme culture in politics—leaving everyone asking: who really controls the soundtrack to our democracy?
A Pop Anthem Hijacked: From Holiday Cheer to Deportation Drama
Jess Glynne’s “Hold My Hand”—a song synonymous with sun-filled Jet2holidays adverts and spontaneous dancing in supermarket aisles—suddenly became the unlikely soundtrack for a U.S. immigration crackdown. On July 30, 2025, the Trump White House posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) that mashed up the song’s infectious chorus, the familiar Jet2 meme voiceover, and footage of ICE agents escorting migrants onto planes. The caption read, “When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. Nothing beats it!” This was not the summer getaway anyone expected.
Glynne’s music, known for feel-good vibes and messages of unity, was instantly reframed as a tool for political messaging. The audacious use of the song, without so much as a whisper of consent, left the British singer and her fans stunned. The White House’s meme-laden approach, designed for virality, instead fueled a viral backlash. Within hours, Glynne took to Instagram to denounce the video, stating, “My music is about love, unity, and spreading positivity — never about division or hate.” Her response struck a nerve, setting off a global conversation that reached well beyond music charts or party lines.
Meme Wars: When Government Goes Viral
In the digital age, meme culture is irresistible, even to those in the highest offices. The Trump administration has shown a knack for wielding internet culture—whether slapping Trump’s face on Superman or deploying tongue-in-cheek memes to rally supporters and needle critics. This latest episode, however, crossed a new threshold: it borrowed not just the format of a viral meme but the actual soundtrack and branding from a beloved travel ad. The result was a collision of pop culture and state power that left many wondering: where is the line between clever communication and propaganda?
The Jet2holidays meme—once the internet’s favorite way to poke fun at botched vacations—now carried the weight of government authority and the serious consequences of immigration enforcement. The White House’s effort to appear relatable and “in on the joke” backfired spectacularly. Instead of laughs, it sparked accusations of insensitivity, artistic theft, and the trivialization of human suffering. The outcry was swift: music industry analysts cited a rising tide of tension between artists and political entities over unauthorized use of creative works, while communications experts warned of the perils of meme culture in official messaging.
Artistic Consent vs. Political Power: Who Decides?
At the heart of the controversy lies a question as old as democracy itself: who controls the narrative? Jess Glynne’s outcry was not just about copyright, but about the meaning and intention behind her art. “Hold My Hand” was written to uplift, to unite, to bring people together. Its sudden use as a soundtrack to forced deportation videos—without permission—felt like a hijacking of her message and her brand. For Glynne and many of her peers, this was a wake-up call. If the government can appropriate a pop anthem for divisive ends, what’s next on the playlist?
The White House, for its part, showed no sign of backing down. The video remained online, and officials continued to deploy meme formats to push political agendas. Meanwhile, Jet2holidays found itself awkwardly thrust into the center of the maelstrom, forced to distance its family-friendly brand from contentious U.S. immigration policy. The episode exposed the lopsided power dynamics at play: while the White House commands the world’s largest media megaphone, artists like Glynne must rely on the court of public opinion—and perhaps actual courts—to defend their work.
The Fallout: Industry, Law, and the Future of Political Memes
The Glynne-White House standoff has already produced ripples across the music, legal, and political spheres. Short-term, the backlash has put a spotlight on the ethics of government social media practices and prompted renewed calls for respect of artistic consent. Industry insiders predict a chilling effect on artists’ willingness to license their music for commercial—or political—purposes. Legal experts are already debating whether the government’s use of copyrighted material in this context qualifies as fair use, given the commercial and political overtones.
Singer Jess Glynne Freaks on Trump for Using Her Song to Tout ICE Deportations https://t.co/vMt7qcX9ot
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) July 31, 2025
Longer term, this saga may become a case study in the risks and rewards of meme-driven messaging by those in power. It raises urgent questions for artists, brands, and policymakers alike: How can creative work remain protected in a world where content is endlessly remixable? What responsibilities do governments have when blending internet culture with public policy? For the millions watching from the sidelines—especially those in immigrant communities—the controversy is more than a meme. It’s a stark reminder that language, imagery, and even pop songs can be weaponized in the battle for hearts, minds, and votes.
Sources:
Jess Glynne Condemns White House for Misusing Her Music in Controversial Deportation Video
Jess Glynne Instagram Statement
White House’s ICE Deportation Video