Tetris Owner Criticizes White House 'Build the Wall' Game
Quick Look
The owner of Tetris criticized the Trump administration after the White House released an arcade game titled 'Build the Wall' on its official website, which mimics Tetris mechanics but tasks players with constructing a U.S.-Mexico border wall to repel a 'Zombie Border Siege.' Tetris stated it believes in connection, not division, and is reviewing the matter for potential copyright infringement.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The White House has previously used pop culture imagery to promote immigration policies, including likening ICE agents to Spider-Man and sharing Studio Ghibli-style illustrations of detained migrants, which has drawn pushback from companies.
The owner of Tetris criticized the Trump administration after the White House released an arcade game titled “Build the Wall” on its official website.
The game, which appeared on the White House website this week, mimics the mechanics of the classic Tetris, letting players rotate and stack falling blocks. But in this version, users are tasked with constructing a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to repel a “Zombie Border Siege.” If users fail, a message appears reading: “Border Breached.”
“At Tetris we believe in the power of connection and bringing people together, not dividing them. To our fans everywhere: we love you, we see you, and we’re grateful to have you in our community,” the Tetris brand said in a statement posted to social media on Friday.
The company stressed it had no role in creating the White House game and warned that it takes “copyright infringement very seriously.”
When asked by Variety whether the company had considered taking legal action, a spokesperson said Tetris was “currently reviewing the matter.”
The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.
The game rolled out Thursday as part of a batch of White House arcade titles, including one dubbed “Supply Run” that lets players assemble school meals tied to the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Another called “Rio Run” puts users in the role of Border Patrol agents along the Rio Grande.
In a post on X unveiling the games, the White House wrote: “Can’t stop winning.”
The White House’s communications strategy has long leaned on employing pop culture imagery — particularly in its attempt to promote the president’s immigration crackdown, which polls indicate is unpopular with many Americans.
Earlier this year, it posted a video likening ICE agents to Spider-Man, with detainees shown ensnared in webs. And last year, capitalizing on a social-media trend, the White House shared a Studio Ghibli-style illustration of a detained migrant.
In the past, the use of such imagery has resulted in pushback from companies.
For instance, in 2018, the president posted “Sanctions are coming” on Twitter, seemingly referencing Game of Thrones’ “Winter is coming” tagline. The font appeared similar to that used by the hit HBO show.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Tetris will issue a formal legal notice to the White House regarding copyright infringement
Likely · Within weeks
The White House will defend the game as parody or fair use if legal action is pursued
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will Tetris pursue legal action against the White House for copyright infringement?
- What specific legal basis does Tetris have for a potential copyright claim?
- How will the White House respond to Tetris's criticism and potential legal review?
