The entrepreneur Elon Musk, leader of the Government Efficiency Department (DOGE) in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, has reacted mockingly to a video released by the White House regarding a deportation flight of undocumented immigrants.
On his X account (formerly Twitter), Musk responded to the official tweet with the phrase "Haha wow," interpreted as an ironic celebration of the migration operation.
The message from the White House, titled "ASMR: Illegal Alien Deportation Flight", displayed images of a flight with migrants being expelled from the country, in an apparent communication strategy to highlight the severity of the new immigration policies of the Trump administration.
According to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Seattle, the operation originated in that city "as part of a process to finalize the return to their countries of origin."
The controversy not only revolves around Musk's comment but also the White House itself for using the term ASMR in the message.
ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) videos are a type of audiovisual content designed to evoke a pleasurable and relaxing sensation in viewers through soft sounds, whispers, and repetitive visual stimuli. This type of content is widely used on platforms like YouTube and TikTok to reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
The use of ASMR in this context has been interpreted as a trivialization of the deportation of migrants, suggesting that the video should create a relaxing or enjoyable experience for the audience. The combination of this message with Musk's mocking tone has intensified the debate about the government's stance and the tycoon's views on immigration policies in the United States.
Since his appointment as director of the DOGE, Musk has endorsed austerity and stricter measures in immigration regulation. His comments have been celebrated by conservative factions advocating for a harsher deportation policy, while human rights defenders have labeled him as insensitive and dismissive towards the difficult circumstances faced by migrants.
Weeks earlier, the White House had already faced criticism for publishing a Valentine's card directed at illegal immigrants.
The postcard, shared on his official X account, displayed a pink background with hearts and the serious faces of President Donald Trump and Tom Homan, known as the "border czar." The message read: "Roses are red, violets are blue, come here illegally and we will deport you."
This post generated a mix of reactions on social media. While some users found it disrespectful and in poor taste, others praised it and shared laughing emojis.
A user commented: "Oh my God, I love Trump so much! Happy Valentine's Day, Mr. President." Another user pointed out: "When we have the White House's X account posting things like this, we know America is back."
The administration of President Donald Trump has adopted an inflexible stance on illegal immigration, viewing all undocumented immigrants as criminals and subject to deportation.
The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that entering the United States illegally is, by definition, a criminal act, regardless of whether the individual has committed other crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elon Musk and Trump's Immigration Policies
What was Elon Musk's reaction to the deportation flight of undocumented immigrants?
Elon Musk reacted with mockery to the video of a deportation flight of undocumented immigrants, responding with the phrase "Haha wow" on his X account, which was interpreted as an ironic celebration of the migration operation.
What is ASMR and why did its use in the context of the deportation video generate controversy?
ASMR is a type of audiovisual content designed to evoke a pleasurable and relaxing sensation in viewers through soft sounds and repetitive visual stimuli. The use of ASMR in the deportation video was seen as a trivialization of the process by suggesting it should create a relaxing experience, which sparked criticism and debate.
What stance has the Trump administration taken regarding illegal immigration?
The Trump administration has taken an inflexible stance regarding illegal immigration, viewing all undocumented immigrants as criminals and subject to deportation. This has generated fear and criticism from human rights advocates.
What is Elon Musk's role in the Trump administration?
Elon Musk leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity created to implement structural reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy and government spending. His role includes supporting austerity measures and tightening immigration regulations.
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