Boards of Canada Denounce White House Use of “Deep Time”

On Thursday, the White House’s Instagram posted a 15-second video of wind-blown flags, a Border Patrol boat, a detention-center interior and a helicopter on the White House lawn. The clip, degraded to resemble an old VHS tape, used “Deep Time,” an instrumental from Boards of Canada’s album *Inferno*. The Scottish duo, Mike Sandison and Marcus Eoin, issued a statement expressing frustration at the unauthorized use of their music for political messaging.

Scottish electronic duo denounces White House for using their song without permission

The incident follows a pattern of Trump administration using copyrighted songs in political videos without securing licenses. Artists who have objected include Adele, Rolling Stones, Celine Dion, Neil Young, Foo Fighters, Beyoncé, Rihanna and estate of Sinéad O’Connor. Some disputes have reached court; estate of Isaac Hayes settled over “Hold On, I’m Coming,” and Eddy Grant won a summary judgment for “Electric Avenue.” Boards of Canada’s complaint adds to a list exceeding four dozen musical acts who have challenged the practice.

Scottish electronic duo denounces White House for using their song without permission

Boards of Canada (Mike Sandison and Marcus Eoin, active since 1986), their label Warp Records (co-author of the statement), the White House (Instagram video source), and unidentified Trump administration staff who selected the music.

Scottish electronic duo denounces White House for using their song without permission

48 musicians have objected. Litigants include Beyoncé, Jack White, Eddy Grant and Isaac Hayes estate. Condemners: Brendon Urie, Bruce Springsteen, Jess Glynne, John Fogerty, Johnny Marr, Kenny Loggins, Olivia Rodrigo, Pharrell Williams, Sabrina Carpenter and Woodkid.

Scottish electronic duo denounces White House for using their song without permission

Warp Records issued a statement: “Warp Records and Boards of Canada do not condone the unauthorised use of their music for political messaging.” White House declined to comment when asked about licensing behind the video.

Scottish electronic duo denounces White House for using their song without permission

Artists have described the videos as “evil,” “fascist,” and “hateful propaganda.” Boards of Canada fans urged duo to pursue copyright claims, condemning White House for exploiting group’s aesthetic, which uses degraded tape visuals.

Scottish electronic duo denounces White House for using their song without permission

Sources do not identify staffer who selected “Deep Time,” nor confirm a license was obtained. White House has offered no explanation, leaving the legality of the usage unresolved.

Paste Magazine

• “Warp Records and Boards of Canada do not condone the unauthorised use of their music for political messaging.” — Warp Records

Scottish electronic duo denounces White House for using their song without permission

• “Deep Time” is a creepy-crawly instrumental that sounds exactly how I imagine an alien abduction must feel like—which, in fairness, the White House is obsessed with. — author

Paste Magazine

• “evil,” — critic

Scottish electronic duo denounces White House for using their song without permission

• “fascist,” — critic

Scottish electronic duo denounces White House for using their song without permission

Boards of Canada have asked administration to stop using their work, and analysts say copyright claims or lawsuits remain possible. White House has not indicated intention to change practice, suggesting the dispute may continue to shape debates over use of copyrighted material.

Scottish electronic duo denounces White House for using their song without permission