DHS Art Choice Sparks Controversy

“Homeland Heritage” Post Draws Fire for Echoing White Supremacist Rhetoric

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ignited a firestorm of criticism after posting an oil painting on its official X account with the caption “Remember your Homeland’s Heritage.” The artwork, “A Prayer for a New Life” by Morgan Weistling, depicts a white pioneer couple in a covered wagon with their newborn, a scene that critics argue has been co-opted to promote a white nationalist agenda.

Art Reinterpreted as Political Tool

The painting, which some have likened to a Western interpretation of the Nativity scene, was shared by the DHS last week, much to the artist’s dismay. The department’s choice of imagery and accompanying slogan immediately drew parallels to historical propaganda. Users on X decried the post as indicative of white supremacist ideology, with one user stating, “In case you had any doubts about the white supremacist thing.”

Others, however, embraced the perceived subtext. Andrew Torba, CEO of Gab, a platform popular with far-right groups, responded to the DHS post with “Our people. Our place.” This sentiment aligns with a broader trend of a pronatalist movement gaining traction among some right-wing circles, aiming for a demographic expansion of specific populations.

“The main stories that are told through art of the American west tend to focus on white settlers, which omits the suppression of other populations.”

—Emily C Burns, Director of the Charles M Russell Study for the Center of Art of the American West

Experts highlight that the seemingly benign image of pioneers overlooks the complex and often brutal history of westward expansion. Emily C Burns, director of the Charles M Russell study at the Center of Art of the American West, noted that such narratives typically center white settlers, intentionally or unintentionally marginalizing the experiences of Indigenous peoples, Black cowboys, and Chinese immigrants who were integral to the development of the West.

Echoes of Extremist Messaging

Adam Klein, an associate professor at Pace University specializing in extremist movements, identified the DHS post as a calculated move to evoke anti-immigrant sentiment. He pointed to the use of terms like “homeland” and “heritage” as particularly resonant with the messaging of groups like VDare, an anti-immigration website named after Virginia Dare, an early European settler. This historical reference has been appropriated by white supremacists to symbolize a narrative of white continuity threatened by immigration.

“The [Weistling] painting isn’t violent at all. On the surface, it’s a beautiful image. But when you look at where it’s coming from, with [DHS using] language like ‘homeland’ and ‘heritage’, that’s really evocative of anti-immigrant sentiment.”

—Adam Klein, Associate Professor at Pace University

The DHS, under recent leadership, has been noted for its aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, including large-scale raids and high detainee numbers. Past social media activity from the department has included dramatic visuals of immigration operations and stark reminders to report perceived “foreign invaders.” The department’s use of AI-generated art, such as the “Alligator Alcatraz” imagery, has also drawn criticism for its provocative and disturbing themes.

A DHS spokesperson defended the department’s social media strategy, stating, “This administration is unapologetically proud of American history and American heritage. Get used to it.” They offered to provide history lessons to critics, suggesting a deliberate embrace of a particular historical narrative.

Renee Hobbs, professor of communication studies at the University of Rhode Island, suggests the DHS’s strategy aligns with propaganda tactics: activating strong emotions, simplifying complex ideas, appealing to deep-seated hopes and fears, and engaging with opponents. She notes that even seemingly innocuous imagery can bypass critical thinking by tapping into nostalgic memories. The DHS’s approach, according to Hobbs, is effective in generating engagement, regardless of whether the reaction is positive or negative.

A recent report by the Pew Research Center indicated that public trust in government institutions is at a low, with only 20% of Americans reporting high confidence in the federal government. This context underscores the potential impact of the DHS’s politically charged social media messaging.

The artist Morgan Weistling stated on his website that the DHS used his painting without permission, describing it as a depiction of parents praying for their child’s safety during a perilous journey. His artistic style often emphasizes traditional gender roles and idealized depictions of American history.