'Disgusting': Trump's taxpayer-funded 'deport' arcade sparks instant fury online
U.S. President Donald Trump attends the Congressional Picnic at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard
September 03, 2026
President Donald Trump’s new online arcade was met with instant ridicule Thursday as critics accused the White House of focusing on remaking classic video games while Americans faced soaring prices.
The administration launched a series of Trump-themed games, including “Build the Wall,” a Tetris knockoff, and “Rio Run,” which allows players to gather and “deport” potential border crossers.
But it wasn’t all fun and games for social media users, who blasted the White House for turning controversial immigration policies into entertainment while Americans struggle with rising costs.
“Average gas price across America has now risen to $4.14,” Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) wrote on X. “What is @WhiteHouse focused on? See below. November is coming.”
Retired intelligence officer and history teacher Travis Akers similarly argued that the MAGA administration's priorities were misplaced.
“You can’t afford gas and groceries, but Trump is spending millions of your tax dollars to make old video games,” he told his social media followers.
“Heating oil is near an all-time high but hey you can play Border Czar Tom Homan in a video game,” Connecticut state Sen. Matt Lesser wrote on X.
“They can’t be serious with this s**t smh,” popular political account Wu Tang is for the Children posted Thursday. “They literally can’t do a single thing that can actually help Americans in a meaningful way in their everyday lives.”
Oxford professor of poetry Alice E. Stallings offered a one-word reaction: “Disgusting.”
The White House, meanwhile, appeared unmoved by the criticism.
“CAN’T STOP WINNING,” the official White House account posted on X as it dropped a link to the games.
Conservative actor Kevin Sorbo offered his own take, writing: “This is hilarious," while Democratic strategist Mike Nellis simply wrote: "Stupid."
Average gas price across America has now risen to $4.14.
What is @WhiteHouse focused on? See below.
November is coming.
(Also, why do the MAGA graphics below suck)? https://t.co/M1pvhn0tRH
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) September 3, 2026