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Comedian and podcaster Theo Von has demanded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security remove a social media video featuring his likeness without permission. Von isn’t just asking for removal — he’s requesting payment for the unauthorized usage.
Von has emerged as one of the influential podcast voices helping President Trump connect with younger male voters across America. He even attended Trump’s presidential inauguration earlier this year.
That didn’t stop him from publicly confronting DHS over their unauthorized use of his image.
The popular comedian took issue with what he sarcastically described as their “banger deportation video” in a direct message to the agency on social media.
“Yooo DHS i didnt approve to be used in this. I know you know my address so send a check. And please take this down and please keep me out of your ‘banger’ deportation videos. When it comes to immigration my thoughts and heart are alot more nuanced than this video allows. Bye!” Von tweeted.
Yooo DHS i didnt approve to be used in this. I know you know my address so send a check. And please take this down and please keep me out of your ‘banger’ deportation videos. When it comes to immigration my thoughts and heart are alot more nuanced than this video allows. Bye! https://t.co/5v5gagf4Dr
— Theo Von (@TheoVon) September 24, 2025
The comedian’s relationship with Trump gained widespread attention during the 2024 campaign when he hosted the former president on his podcast. One memorable clip featured Von explaining the sensation of cocaine to the notoriously sober Trump in colorful terms.
“Cocaine will turn you into a damn owl, homie — you know what I’m saying?” Von said. “You’ll be out on your own porch. You’ll be your own streetlamp.”
This isn’t the first intellectual property controversy for DHS this week. The agency also faced criticism for incorporating Pokémon imagery into another promotional video. Nintendo, which partially owns the Pokémon brand, is known for aggressively protecting its intellectual property through legal action.
Gotta Catch ‘Em All. pic.twitter.com/qCvflkJGmB
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) September 22, 2025
The Pokémon Company quickly distanced itself from the government agency’s content. “We are aware of a recent video posted by the Department of Homeland Security that includes imagery and language associated with our brand. Our company was not involved in the creation or distribution of this content, and permission was not granted for the use of our intellectual property,” they stated in an official response.
