Jet2 has seen the White House deportation meme. They're not impressed

USA Today

a day ago

The brand that accidentally created the summer's favorite social media audio is not on board with the Trump administration hopping on the trend.
Jet2, a British budget airline, has recently found itself the subject of virality, as users post their vacation and life mishaps online to the soundtrack of a 2024 ad promoting the company's discounted flights. The White House, however, may have spoiled the fun.
"Our branding has become something of a viral phenomenon this summer and we are pleased to see how many people have used it in good humour," a Jet2.com and Jet2holidays spokesperson said in a July 31 statement to USA TODAY. "This has put a smile on many people's faces, just like our holidays do."
'Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday': Mariah Carey, Jeff Goldblum and more stars jump on trend
The statement continued: "We are of course aware of a post from the White House social media account. This is not endorsed by us in any way, and we are very disappointed to see our brand being used to promote Government policy such as this."
In a video posted on the White House's official social media accounts on July 29, people are escorted out of a van and marched onto a plane while their hands and ankles are handcuffed. Though federal agents' faces are blurred, the detainees' faces are not.
#jet2 #ad #advert #aviation #planetok #planes #aviation #funny #trend #holiday #viral #fyp #foryou #uk @jet2 @aviationvids5
The footage is set to the audio of the 2024 commercial, which blasts British singer Jess Glynne's 2015 song "Hold My Hand" as it advertises a limited-time vacation package deal for customers.
The caption for the White House's post, which references the script heard in the advertisement, reads: "When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. ✈️🎶 Nothing beats it!"
Since his return to the White House, President Trump has spearheaded a mass deportation campaign, targeting undocumented workers and families across the 50 states.
'The memes will continue': White House
When reached for comment by USA TODAY, the White House's deputy press secretary vowed to continue using memes to promote the Trump administration's campaign promise for a crackdown on people living in the U.S. without documents.
"There is nothing more unifying and positive than deporting criminal illegal aliens and making American communities safer," said Abigail Jackson. "The memes will continue until every criminal illegal alien is removed!"
'Makes me sick': Singer slams White House for using her song to promote deportations
Trump has long vowed to deport undocumented immigrants, citing threats to public safety. Deportation efforts, which have involved a huge budget increase for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and an expansion of jail facilities, including the so-called "Alligator Alcatraz," have contributed to steep declines in border crossings by unauthorized migrants.
Despite claims of a focus on those with criminal backgrounds, there are reports of people, including schoolchildren, farm workers, those who are married to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents without criminal records, also being targeted by the Department of Homeland Security.
Singer Jess Glynne 'sick' over deportation video using 'Hold My Hand'
Glynne, 35, whose pop hit helped propel the widely parodied commercial to fame, has also spoken out about the White House's use of it.
"This post honestly makes me sick. My music is about love, unity, and spreading positivity – never about division or hate," she wrote in a July 30 Instagram story alongside a screenshot of the White House's deportation video on X.
Know your meme: The Jet2 holiday audio, explained
What is 'a Jet2 holiday'?
The 2024 commercial, which has blown up on TikTok with nearly 2 million videos using its audio, features British actress Zoë Lister heartily declaring, "Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday. And right now, you can save £50 per person! That's £200 off for a family of four."
Many users feature the upbeat sound in their videos, juxtaposing it with a horrifying vacation incident or a funny, candid moment. One post depicts a traveler standing in a construction zone after allegedly being stranded in Croatia because their hotel "hasn't actually been built yet."
Another shows a person spraying a fire extinguisher around an airport terminal after attempting to sneak on an airplane.