Radiohead is making headlines this week for voicing strong opposition to the Trump administration. They’re demanding that a promotional video from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) be taken down. The video features their song “Let Down,” from the iconic album “OK Computer.” The band claims it was used without their permission.
This video, part of a larger campaign from the Department of Homeland Security, seeks to support Trump’s immigration policies by showcasing what they describe as the struggles of individuals affected by “criminal illegal alien violence.” It has attracted considerable attention online, shared widely by Trump and associated social media accounts.
In their statement, the band expressed their disapproval, saying, “This isn’t funny. The song means a lot to us and others. You can’t just take it for your agenda.” They ended their message with a fiery sentiment that underscored their frustration.
DHS and ICE have not yet responded to requests for comment about whether they will comply with the band’s wishes. Radiohead’s PR representative labeled the video as “propaganda” to highlight their disapproval more pointedly.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Many artists have pushed back when their work has been used for political purposes. For example, pop star Sabrina Carpenter previously requested that her song “Juno” be removed from another ICE video. Similarly, comedian Theo Von criticized DHS for using his image in a pro-deportation video.
The relationship between artists and politics has always been complex. In an age where music and media can be quickly shared, the backlash is often immediate. Social media plays a massive role in amplifying these reactions, bringing such conflicts to the forefront.
In light of this, it’s clear that the ongoing debate over immigration is deeply intertwined with cultural expressions and artistic integrity. As pop culture continually interacts with political narratives, the voices of artists like Radiohead push back against uses of their work that don’t align with their values.
For further insights into how the arts and politics collide, check out this recent survey from the National Endowment for the Arts. It reveals that 63% of artists feel it’s their responsibility to speak out on social issues. As these conversations continue, we’ll likely see more artists asserting their rights in the arena of public discourse.
