immigration Politics
Jess Glynne Blasts Trump Admin for ‘Sick’ Use of Her Song in ICE Deportation Meme
Jess Glynne joins a growing list of artists who have pushed back against Trump using their music without consent. In the past, ABBA, Adele, and the estates of Sinéad O’Connor and others have publicly objected to their songs being used at Trump rallies or political events. Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler even issued a cease-and-desist order in 2015.
British pop star Jess Glynne has slammed the Trump administration for using her song Hold My Hand in a controversial video promoting deportations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Jet2 Holiday Meme video, shared by the White House on X (formerly Twitter), features footage of detainees being escorted onto a plane while the viral Jet2holiday advert — which includes Glynne’s upbeat 2015 hit — plays in the background.
The post, captioned “When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. Nothing beats it!”, sparked immediate backlash from fans, critics, and even the voiceover artist in the ad, Zoe Lister. What started as a lighthearted meme soundtrack turned into political controversy — and Jess Glynne is not having it.
“This makes me feel sick,” Jess Glynne wrote on Instagram. “My music is about love, unity, and spreading positivity — never about division or hate.”
Lister, who became a meme icon thanks to her cheery “nothing beats a Jet2 holiday” line, echoed the sentiment. She told the BBC she “would never condone” her voice being used to promote “Trump and his abhorrent policies.” She added, “The Jet2 meme has spread a lot of joy, but this video shows Trump has neither.”
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The clip is just the latest in a growing trend from the Trump campaign, which frequently uses memes and viral formats to engage its base. Earlier this month, the administration shared a meme depicting Trump as Superman, with the caption: “Truth. Justice. The American Way. Superman Trump.”
When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. ✈️🎶
Nothing beats it! pic.twitter.com/hlLapr9QsE
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 29, 2025
Critics say these ICE deportation Jet2 Holiday meme posts cheapen serious issues, especially immigration policy. Trump has pledged over $170 billion toward border enforcement, with $45 billion earmarked for detention and over $76 billion projected for ICE over five years. In that context, repurposing a fun holiday ad to promote deportation flights struck many as tasteless.
On social media, reactions were split. While some Trump supporters applauded the meme as bold messaging, others called it “cruel,” “dehumanizing,” and “unprofessional.” One viral reply read: “This shows a real lack of humanity.”
Jess Glynne joins a growing list of artists who have pushed back against Trump using their music without consent. In the past, ABBA, Adele, and the estates of Sinéad O’Connor and others have publicly objected to their songs being used at Trump rallies or political events. Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler even issued a cease-and-desist order in 2015.
The Jet2 holiday song has become one of 2025’s most memed audio clips, soundtracking chaotic travel moments across TikTok. But for its creators, the fun ends when politics get involved.
As of now, Jet2 has not commented on the ICE deportation meme video, but for Jess Glynne and her fans, the message is clear: “Hold My Hand” was never meant to soundtrack a deportation.
