Hawaiian Musician Condemns MAGA and ICE in Viral Video

Steven Tausinga calls out Trump supporters and ICE agents in Honolulu, drawing parallels to Hawaii's colonial past.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In a viral Instagram video, Hawaiian musician and content creator Steven Tausinga criticized ICE agents after seeing them outside Iolani Palace in Honolulu. Tausinga likened the presence of ICE to the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, condemning Trump supporters and the administration's "hateful narrative" and "language of fear and dehumanization." He encouraged Hawaiians to resist with love, similar to the resistance song "Kaulana Na Pua" that condemned the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani.

Why it matters

Tausinga's video highlights the ongoing tensions between the Hawaiian people and the U.S. government, with the presence of ICE agents near the symbolic Iolani Palace seen as a continuation of the colonial oppression that led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. His message of resistance through love resonates with Hawaii's history of fighting against injustice.

The details

In the video, Tausinga expressed sadness and outrage at seeing ICE agents near Iolani Palace, a site that holds deep cultural and historical significance for Hawaiians. He drew parallels between the current administration's policies and the actions of Sanford B. Dole, who led the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Tausinga emphasized the importance of Hawaiian values like connection to the land and people, and urged his fellow Hawaiians to resist the "hateful narrative" and "dehumanization" of the Trump administration with love, similar to the resistance expressed in the song "Kaulana Na Pua."

  • In 2025, ICE agents in Hawaii arrested more than four times the number of people than in 2024.
  • The 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom by Sanford B. Dole and the provisional government is a key historical event referenced in the story.

The players

Steven Tausinga

A Hawaiian musician and content creator who posted a viral video criticizing ICE agents and Trump supporters in Honolulu.

Sanford B. Dole

The leader of the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, who later became president of the provisional government.

Liliuokalani

The last monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, who was wrongfully deposed and imprisoned in her own palace during the 1893 overthrow.

James Dole

Sanford Dole's cousin, who started the Hawaiian Pineapple Company that later became the Dole company.

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What they’re saying

“Regarding the Hawaiians who support Trump, it's just like supporting Sanford B. Dole in the olden times. They are so similar. They are in love with money. Don't follow them. Don't follow them. Don't trade your love for their bad ideologies. Their connection is so weak to the land and the sea. Their connection is so weak to people who are different. Their connection is so weak to their own hearts.”

— Steven Tausinga, Musician and content creator (Instagram)

“'Our rocks are enough for us!' Right? Resist them. Resist this loveless government just like the provisional government of old. Resist the provisional government of today with love. With the same love as the fearless cowboy, Kaluaikoolau,”

— Steven Tausinga, Musician and content creator (Instagram)

The takeaway

Tausinga's powerful message of resistance through love resonates with Hawaii's history of fighting against colonial oppression and injustice. His video highlights the ongoing tensions between the Hawaiian people and the U.S. government, and the importance of maintaining strong connections to land, people, and cultural values in the face of divisive politics and dehumanizing policies.