Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Trump Administration Uses HBO, Batman, and Nirvana for Political Videos
Imagine the President and a government department made some videos to look tough and strong.
They used movie clips, like from Batman, and music from a band called Nirvana, and also old videos of important historical Americans.
They did this on their social media pages.
Some people think they didn't ask permission to use these things, which might be against the rules.
The videos were supposed to show how they are protecting the country.
However, the videos didn't get as many 'likes' as other posts the President has made, making some people wonder if the videos were very popular or effective.
The Trump administration and DHS have used footage from HBO's 'John Adams' and 'The Batman', along with Nirvana's music, in promotional videos.
These videos feature imagery of historical figures, military hardware, and border patrol agents, aiming to portray the administration as defenders of America.
Questions have been raised about whether permission was sought for the use of copyrighted material from Warner Bros. Discovery.
Warner Bros. Discovery and the White House have not commented on the use of the content.
The engagement metrics for the videos appear to be low compared to other content shared by the administration.
- Who
- Donald Trump and the Department of Homeland Security
- What
- Posted videos using copyrighted material from HBO, Warner Bros. films, and Nirvana music to promote their image as defenders of America.
- When
- Over the past two days.
- Where
- White House and DHS social media feeds.
- Why
- To re-pitch themselves as America's great defenders and project an image of strength and decisive action.
Critique of Trump's Video Usage
Administration's Actions (as implied)
Copyrighted Content Usage
Critique of Trump's Video Usage
The Trump administration appears to have used copyrighted material from HBO's 'John Adams', 'The Batman', and Nirvana's music without seeking permission, raising questions about intellectual property rights.
Administration's Actions (as implied)
No statement was provided by the White House or DHS regarding permission for the use of the content. Warner Bros. Discovery also remained silent when contacted.
Effectiveness of Messaging
Critique of Trump's Video Usage
The video's low engagement metrics suggest that the political messaging may not be resonating with the intended audience, with one video garnering significantly fewer likes than a Fox Sports clip.
Administration's Actions (as implied)
The administration has a history of using media-savvy techniques to promote their image as defenders of America, as seen in various social media posts and public appearances.
Tone and Imagery
Critique of Trump's Video Usage
The DHS video uses Robert Pattinson's 'Batman' dialogue to depict border patrol agents and employs authoritarian imagery, which critics might view as excessive or misrepresentative.
Administration's Actions (as implied)
The use of dramatic imagery and monologues from popular media like 'The Batman' and historical figures aims to project an image of strength and decisive action.
- Content Used
- Footage from HBO's 'John Adams' (starring Paul Giamatti), 'The Batman' (2022, starring Robert Pattinson), Nirvana's 'Something in the Way', historical figures (George Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln), NASA astronauts, military hardware, Bigfoot.
- Platforms Used
- White House social media, DHS social media, US Border Patrol Instagram.
- DHS Video Quote
- 'Fear is a tool.'
- Batman Quote
- 'They think I’m hiding in the shadows, but I am the shadows.'
- DHS Video Featured
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Border Patrol agents.
- White House Video Featured
- Donald Trump, historical figures.
- Engagement on White House Video
- Over 22,600 likes in 48 hours.
- Engagement on DHS Video
- Over 2,400 likes as of Sunday afternoon.