White House draws backlash over Spider-Man imagery in ICE post

The White House has drawn criticism from Marvel fans and social media users after using Spider-Man imagery in an Instagram campaign promoting US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The White House's official Instagram account posted images showing the superhero firing a web that eventually entangles a group of men, alongside the caption, "Your friendly neighbourhood ICE agents."

A final slide in the post said, "Criminal illegal aliens will be caught and deported."

The use of the character prompted criticism from fans, some of whom said the post misrepresented Spider-Man's values and called on Marvel and Sony to take legal action over the use of the character, said EuroNews.

"This is the worse misrepresentation of Spider-Man to the highest order. Marvel/Sony need to get off their damn knees and take legal action immediately," one Marvel fan wrote in response to the post.

Another commenter wrote, "Stan Lee would never approve."

"Our government is a freaking joke posting unprofessional things like this," another social media user said.

The post is part of a broader effort by the administration of President Donald Trump to use popular culture and internet memes in political messaging. The administration has previously drawn on cultural figures and franchises, including Superman and Jedi imagery, in its communications.

Some critics have accused the White House of seeking to capitalise on the popularity of the Spider-Man franchise, including the success of the film Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

One social media user wrote, "Spider-Man would take down ICE and that shit fascist president in one night."

The backlash comes amid separate disputes over the use of music by the White House in political and military-related social media posts.

Singer Katy Perry criticised the use of her song "Firework" in a video posted by the White House TikTok account that included footage of military strikes.

"I am deeply appalled and angry to see 'Firework' used on the @WhiteHouse TikTok account as a backing track for video footage of military strikes. I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it," Perry said.

"To see a message of self-worth and upliftment weaponized to soundtrack destruction and violence is a complete violation of everything my song stands for," she added.

Other artists, including Ariana Grande and SZA, have also criticised the White House over the use of their music without permission in political or military-related videos.

The controversy over the Spider-Man post has renewed debate over the use of copyrighted characters and popular culture in government political messaging, with some fans urging Marvel and Sony to challenge the use of the character.