Opinion: White House 'gamifying' Iran war updates
March 28, 2026 8:00 AM ET
Heard on Weekend Edition Saturday
Throughout the course of warfare, propaganda is disseminated by all factions involved. However, the recent influx of images and slogans on social media during the initial month of the Iran conflict may represent a significant shift. The Trump administration has been releasing videos that blend authentic visuals of missile strikes and devastation with excerpts from video games, sports broadcasts, and action films.
For instance, one of the posts juxtaposes real airstrikes in Iran with sound effects and musical themes from the Call of Duty video game franchise. Another post integrates genuine combat footage alongside clips from Wii Sports. Other social media contributions feature video captures of explosions intermingled with sequences from Top Gun, SpongeBob, Braveheart, and Breaking Bad, where a character notably declares, "I AM the danger!"
In stark contrast, Iranian state media has been presenting Lego-style animations that portray President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu as miniature figures engaged in strategic planning. These animations depict both soldiers and civilians taking flight amidst animated scenes of destruction set in representations of Israel, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia.
Cardinal Blaise Cupich of Chicago has publicly criticized the White House's video strategy, stating, "A real war with real death and real suffering being treated like it's a video game — it's sickening." He has warned that such material could foster an unhealthy addiction to the 'spectacle' of explosions, potentially jeopardizing our humanity.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly responded to the criticism by asserting, "The legacy media wants us to apologize for highlighting the United States military's incredible success, but the White House will continue showcasing the many examples of Iran's ballistic missiles, production facilities, and aspirations of acquiring a nuclear weapon being destroyed in real time."
John Vick, executive director of Concerned Veterans for America, noted that while it is important to acknowledge U.S. military successes, “gamifying or trivializing war also undermines the sacrifice of the Americans who have died..."
In my extensive reporting on U.S. troops in combat situations, I can confirm that I have never encountered a soldier who has celebrated the death of an enemy or a civilian, as they are acutely aware of the profound and sobering realities of warfare.
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