Jess Glynne has publicly criticised the Trump administration after the White House used her 2015 hit “Hold My Hand” in a meme promoting ICE deportations.
The British pop singer responded early Wednesday morning to a social media post made by the White House’s official X account, which featured her song in a Jet2-style meme referencing the removal of undocumented immigrants.
“This post honestly makes me sick,” Glynne wrote on her Instagram stories. “My music is about love, unity, and spreading positivity — never about division or hate.”
The meme in question showed handcuffed individuals being escorted onto a plane, captioned: “When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. Nothing beats it!”
When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. ✈️🎶
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 29, 2025
Nothing beats it! pic.twitter.com/hlLapr9QsE
The meme format drew from a viral trend where users overlay “Hold My Hand” onto various mishap clips, parodying the Jet2holidays advert. However, Glynne objected to the repurposing of her song to promote state-led deportations, calling it deeply inappropriate.
The Trump administration’s use of social media has frequently leaned on memes and trolling.
In response to criticism, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the Independent: “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!”
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