(NEXSTAR) – Representatives for U.K. travel companies Jet2 and Jet2holidays expressed their disappointment over the Trump administration’s use of a meme involving their brand to promote the Department of Homeland Security’s deportation efforts.
The meme gained traction on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where people shared clips of themselves or others in difficult or alarming predicaments, with the audio from a specific 2024 Jet2holidays commercial promoting flight and hotel packages in the background.
A voiceover from the commercial declares, “Nothing beats a Jet2holiday!” This audio snippet has recently been paired with viral videos showcasing accidents on waterslides or tense wildlife encounters.
Jet2 has even gotten in on the fun, launching a contest for a Jet2holidays voucher in response to the funny videos.
The company does not, however, approve of the Trump administration’s use of the meme earlier this week.
The White House and DHS shared a post featuring this Jet2holidays audio with footage of individuals in restraints being led by ICE agents onto aircraft.
“When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation,” reads a caption under the video. “Nothing beats it!”
Viewers on social media called the White House and DHS posts “disgraceful,” “abhorrent” and “embarrassing.”
Jet2, in a statement shared to Nexstar, also called the video “disappointing.”
“It’s heartening to see our branding become a viral sensation this summer, bringing joy to many, much like our holidays do,” a Jet2 spokesperson commented. “We are aware of a White House social media post. This has not received our approval, and we find it very disappointing to see our brand being leveraged to support Government procedures like these.”
The original Jet2 commercial also included a track by British artist Jess Glynn, who stated earlier this week that the White House’s post “disgusts” her.
“My music is about love, unity, and spreading positivity — never about division or hate,” Glynn wrote on Instagram, as reported by Variety.
When reached for comment, Abigal Jackson, the Deputy Press Secretary for the White House, told USA Today that the White House has no intention of removing its post or refraining from similar behavior in the future.
“There is nothing more unifying and positive than deporting criminal illegal aliens and making American communities safer,” Jackson told the outlet. “The memes will continue until every criminal illegal alien is removed!”
