Jess Glynne has strongly criticized the Trump White House for using her song “Hold My Hand” in a viral “Jet2 Holiday” meme video that promoted ICE deportations. The video, posted on July 29, 2025, by official White House social media accounts, showed handcuffed people being led by ICE agents onto a deportation flight. The video used the well-known Jet2holidays advert audio, which includes Jess Glynne’s song and the phrase “Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday,” but changed the context to highlight deportation. President Trump appeared in the video, giving a thumbs up, and the video also showed the CBP app homepage, which offers a self-deportation option.
Jess Glynne responded the next day, saying, “This post honestly makes me sick. My music is about love, unity, and spreading positivity—never about division or hate.” Zoe Lister, the voice behind the Jet2 advert, also spoke out, expressing disappointment and asking what could be done about the use of her voice and the Jet2 sound for “their nasty agenda.” As of July 30, 2025, Jet2 has not released an official statement.
The White House has not directly addressed this specific video but has defended its social media strategy. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stated, “There is nothing more unifying and positive than deporting criminal illegal aliens and making American communities safer. The memes will continue until every criminal illegal alien is removed!” The administration’s approach uses memes and viral sounds to reach younger audiences, but many people, including some Trump supporters, have called the video “disgusting,” “mind blowing,” and “vile.”
This video is part of a larger push by the Trump administration to increase ICE deportations. Recent months have seen ICE expand raids to places like hospitals, causing fear in immigrant communities and leading to protests, especially in Los Angeles. President Trump recently signed a law giving $170 billion for border and immigration enforcement, with $76.5 billion going to ICE over five years. He has promised to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.
The use of the Jet2 Holiday meme, which became popular in 2025 for lighthearted travel videos, marks a big change in how the meme is used. Before this, people used the meme for jokes and funny travel mishaps, not for political messages. Now, its use by the White House has started a debate about whether it is right for the government to use popular culture in this way, especially without the consent of artists like Jess Glynne.
Media outlets such as ITV News and The Independent have reported on the backlash and the ethical questions raised. Experts say that using viral memes for official policy blurs the line between entertainment and government messaging. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this trend raises new questions about copyright, consent, and the impact on public debate.
For more information on ICE deportations and official procedures, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website. The situation is still developing, and further statements or legal action from Jess Glynne, Jet2, or Zoe Lister may follow.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Deportation → The official removal of a foreign national from a country by government authorities.
Meme → A viral image, video, or sound shared online, often humorous or culturally significant.
Jet2 Holiday → A popular UK travel company known for its memorable advertising campaign with viral sounds.
Copyright → Legal rights protecting original works of authorship from unauthorized use or reproduction.
This Article in a Nutshell
Jess Glynne condemned the Trump White House’s use of her song in a viral meme promoting ICE deportations, sparking major backlash. The administration’s controversial strategy uses popular culture sounds to spread immigration enforcement messages, raising ethical and legal questions about copyright and public consent.
— By VisaVerge.com
