The White House has recently removed a game titled “Build The Wall,” which was designed in a style reminiscent of the iconic Tetris game. This decision came shortly after The Tetris Company expressed concerns regarding the use of its intellectual property.
In the game, players were tasked with stacking blocks to construct a wall aimed at “protecting the border.” This was one of five arcade-style games featured on the White House’s official website. On September 4, the Tetris Company took to social media to clarify that they were “not involved in the creation” of the game and emphasized their serious stance on copyright violations.
While the White House has yet to provide an official explanation for the game’s removal, it has not responded to inquiries from media outlets, including the BBC. The Tetris Company articulated its values, stating, “At Tetris, we believe in the power of connection and building people together, not dividing them.” They also expressed gratitude to their community of fans.
History of Copyright Enforcement
The Tetris Company has a track record of actively protecting its copyright. A notable instance occurred in 2012 when they settled with the developers of the iPhone game Mino, which was accused of replicating the distinctive elements of Tetris.
Despite the removal of “Build The Wall,” four other games remain available on the White House’s mini-game section. One such game, “Flappy Bill,” allows players to navigate a bald eagle while avoiding various landmarks in Washington, D.C. Another, called Rio Run, challenges players to manage the line along a river, echoing the gameplay style of the classic mobile game Snake.
Political Reactions and Criticisms
The introduction of these games has sparked criticism from various political figures. Connecticut State Senator Matt Lesser highlighted the contrast between rising heating oil prices and the availability of such games, questioning the administration’s priorities.
This is not the first time the Trump administration’s use of video games has drawn scrutiny. In October 2025, the official White House account posted an AI-generated image of President Trump styled after a character from the video game Halo, prompting backlash from the gaming community.
Moreover, in March, a video was shared that juxtaposed U.S. military actions with clips from popular media, including a voiceover from the Halo protagonist Master Chief. This particular post incited a strong reaction from voice actor Steve Downes, who condemned the portrayal as “disgusting and juvenile.”
Additionally, in March, The Pokémon Company International criticized a meme that featured Pikachu alongside the phrase “Make America Great Again,” indicating a pattern of contentious interactions between the gaming industry and the White House.
