The family of the late American artist Thomas Kinkade is speaking out against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for using one of Kinkade’s iconic paintings in what they describe as an anti-immigrant social media post. The Kinkade Family Foundation announced it had not granted permission for the artwork’s use and is exploring legal avenues in response.
In a public statement released on the foundation’s website, Kinkade’s relatives expressed deep concern about the unauthorized use of his work, specifically a painting titled Morning Pledge. The artwork, which shows children participating in a morning flag-raising ceremony in an idyllic American town, was posted by DHS on July 1 with the caption, “Protect the Homeland.” The agency’s use of the painting appeared to align it with a broader narrative emphasizing strict immigration enforcement and deportation campaigns.
“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 Kinkade family stated. The Washington Post first reported the story on Tuesday.
The foundation made clear that the family views the post as a distortion of Thomas Kinkade’s values and artistic legacy. Known for his serene, nostalgic portrayals of American life, Kinkade was widely referred to as the “Painter of Light.” The family argued that the painting was being weaponized to promote a message of division that runs counter to both the artist’s intentions and the foundation’s mission.
“At The Kinkade Family Foundation, we strongly condemn the sentiment expressed in the post and the deplorable actions that DHS continues to carry out,” the foundation wrote. “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.”
The statement further underscored the family’s solidarity with marginalized communities frequently targeted by DHS enforcement practices, including immigrants, Black and Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, undocumented immigrants, and those with disabilities.
In response, DHS defended the post. Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told The Washington Post that the agency aims to showcase art that reflects “America’s heritage and history.” She added pointedly, “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. This administration is unapologetically proud of American history and American heritage.”
While the Kinkade Foundation has not specified whether it will file a lawsuit, it has emphasized that it will not allow Thomas Kinkade’s art to be used.
“We stand firmly with our communities who have been threatened and targeted by DHS,” the foundation said. “Thomas Kinkade’s work should inspire unity, not be exploited to justify division.”
