It’s closing time on the border, and the White House launched a video yesterday on X making that plain. The video featured a deportee being handcuffed and placed on an airplane. Accompanying is an audio snippet from a 1998 song, “Closing Time,” recorded by a Minnesota group called Semisonic. The lyrics featured are, “It’s closing time. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”
Although the use by the WH has undoubtedly provided the little-known group the most exposure they’ve had in 25 years and likely forever, nevertheless they predictably protested, complaining on X:
We did not authorize or condone the White House’s use of our song “Closing Time” in any way. And no, they didn’t ask. The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely.
Otherwise, most comments on social media were positive, with commenters finding humor in the post.
For more, see the New York Post.