The White House shared a video on Wednesday splicing footage from the Nintendo game Wii Sports with imagery of U.S. And Israeli military strikes in Iran, prompting widespread criticism. The video, posted to the official White House X account, features gameplay clips of characters playing tennis, golf, and archery, intercut with footage of missile strikes and drone attacks. The Wii Sports theme music accompanies the visuals.
The video opens with a title screen reading “Operation Epic Fury” and is captioned “UNDEFEATED.” Scenes depict a golf shot followed by footage of a drone strike, with the text “Hole in One” appearing on screen. A baseball clip from the game is paired with an explosion in Iran, accompanied by the phrase “Out of the park.” Similar transitions are used throughout, linking basketball and boxing game footage to missile impacts, with the word “Strike” appearing during one attack.
This is not the first instance of the White House utilizing video game imagery to promote its military actions in Iran. Last week, a video incorporating visuals from the game Call of Duty was posted, drawing criticism for seemingly trivializing the conflict. The Pokémon Company also reportedly expressed concern after the White House used images from Pokémon Go in a political graphic, according to a report by Forbes.
The Trump administration has a history of using copyrighted material in its social media content without securing necessary permissions. Singer Kesha recently objected to the use of her song “Blow” in a White House video, and pop star Sabrina Carpenter also protested the inclusion of her song “Juno” in another promotional clip.
The New York Times reported on Wednesday that a preliminary inquiry suggests the U.S. Was at fault in a recent strike on a school in Iran. Reuters reported earlier this month that aides to President Trump are attempting to influence the outcome of the ongoing conflict with Iran, as a clear exit strategy remains elusive. As of Thursday, Iran has shown no signs of surrender, and the U.S. Has launched what PBS described as its “most intense” day of strikes. NPR reported on Wednesday that tensions exist between the U.S. And Israel regarding the endgame of the conflict, as well as concerns over battlefield technology and wartime censorship.
The White House has not responded to requests for comment regarding the use of Wii Sports footage or the criticism it has received. President Trump is scheduled to provide an update on the military action against Iran from the White House later today.
