Radiohead responds to Trump’s Homeland Security video using three words
Radiohead has recently expressed their discontent with the Department of Homeland Security for using their music in a video promoting Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. The band, featuring Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Philip Selway, and Ed O’Brien, issued a statement condemning the unauthorized use of their song Let Down in the ICE video, joining a multitude of other artists who have spoken out against the Trump Administration’s misuse of their music.
In addition to this incident, Radiohead had previously declined a request to use their music in a documentary film featuring Melania Trump. Frustrated by the appropriation of their song in the ICE video, the band demanded that the video be taken down, emphasizing the personal significance of their music and expressing their disapproval towards its unauthorized use. Their pointed three-word response, “go f–k yourselves,” further underscores their strong objection to the misappropriation of their work.
The ICE video featuring Radiohead’s song portrays a choral rendition of the track alongside imagery of individuals who have suffered as a result of violence committed by individuals labeled as “illegal aliens.” The agency’s depiction of American families torn apart by criminal activities attributed to undocumented immigrants is met with criticism from Radiohead, adding their name to the list of artists who have distanced themselves from the agency’s videos.
Joining artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter, Radiohead’s protest against ICE’s use of their music highlights a growing trend of musicians taking a stand against the agency’s promotional tactics. Despite objections from various artists in the past, ICE has continued to feature their music in videos that have faced backlash for promoting a divisive and inhumane agenda.
While the administration has not publicly responded to Radiohead’s statement, the band’s swift and unequivocal rejection of the unauthorized use of their music in the ICE video underscores their commitment to protecting their artistic integrity. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict between artists and governmental agencies seeking to co-opt their work for political purposes, prompting a broader conversation about the ethical implications of such actions in the realm of music and art.