Artist Thomas Kinkade’s woke family goes after DHS, says use of Americana painting promotes anti-immigration

American artist Thomas Kinkade’s family is decrying the Department of Homeland Security’s use of his work.

The family believes that the DHS is using the late artist’s work to promote an anti-immigration message and condemned the actions of the department. They asked for the removal of the work and are considering their legal options, according to a statement posted to the Kinkade Family Foundation website.

“On July 1st, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a photo on their social media accounts accompanied by a Thomas Kinkade Studios painting. The use of his artwork was unauthorized, and we have requested that DHS remove the post, and we are consulting with our counsel on our options,” the banner reads.

“At The Kinkade Family Foundation, we strongly condemn the sentiment expressed in the post and the deplorable actions that DHS continues to carry out. Like many of you, we were deeply troubled to see this image used to promote division and xenophobia associated with the ideals of DHS, as this is antithetical to our mission. We stand firmly with our communities who have been threatened and targeted by DHS, especially our immigrant, BIPOC, undocumented, LGBTQ+, and disabled relatives and neighbors.”

On July 1, the official Homeland Security X account posted a status reading “Protect the homeland” alongside a photo of Kinkade’s painting titled “Morning Pledge.”

But DHS Spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin says the artwork “celebrates America’s heritage and history,” which is why it was highlighted by the account.

“If the media needs a history lesson on the brave men and women who blazed the trails and forged this republic from the sweat of their brow, we are happy to send them a history textbook,” read a statement to The Washington Post. “This administration is unapologetically proud of American history and American heritage.”

The use of the painting also triggered leftists on social media:

I thought you people said that walkable cities were “communism” and therefore bad.

What changed?

— Nora Synth ️ (@Network_Synth) July 2, 2025

What is this nonsense? It’s pointless. You guys are so unserious.

— Timothy Bellman (@Timothy_Bellman) July 1, 2025

Fixed it for y’all by adding some Black folks. Some Hispanic folks too. Oh and that woman on the left is a lesbian immigrant from Haiti. That guy next to her is trans. pic.twitter.com/JJCIpBDjGj

— Kes Bretagne (@KesendraB) July 1, 2025

Everybody who would live in this town will cheat on their spouse.

— John (@quesoliker) July 2, 2025

well knowing what we all know about Thomas Kinkade, I’m not surprised that a Trump regime would embrace him – “Painter Of Light” Thomas Kinkade Has Dark Side: Drunkenly Heckled Siegfried & Roy, “Marks Territory” With Urine… | HuffPost Latest News https://t.co/2gUc49M28Z

— Holy Bullies (@holybullies) July 2, 2025

Writer/Columnist

Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to BizPac Review.

Latest posts by Sierra Marlee (see all)

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.