The Pokémon Company has issued a second statement publicly criticising the Trump administration for using its intellectual property without consent. This follows the recent release of a meme by the White House, which appropriated artwork from the franchise’s latest game, Pokopia, and incorporated President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.”
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The controversial meme was shared on the social media platform X by the White House’s official account and featured familiar characters from the Pokémon franchise against the backdrop of Pokopia, a life-simulation game designed for the Nintendo Switch. It drew on a popular online trend where Pokémon enthusiasts create their own graphics in a similar style to the game’s branding.
In a statement addressing the incident, Pokémon Company spokeswoman Sravanthi Dev clarified the situation: “We were not involved in its creation or distribution, and no permission was granted for the use of our intellectual property. Our mission is to bring the world together, and that mission is not affiliated with any political viewpoint or agenda.” This marked the second time the company had to warn against the unauthorised use of its content by the administration.
The Pokémon Company had previously expressed its disapproval back in September when the Department of Homeland Security incorporated the franchise’s iconic slogan, “Gotta catch ‘em all,” in a video. That footage controversially mixed scenes from the animated Pokémon series with images of Border Patrol and ICE agents apprehending individuals.
The White House’s deputy communications director, Kaelan Dorr, responded to the Pokémon Company’s statement by referencing an article that highlighted Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign’s use of Pokémon Go to engage voters. He questioned why the Pokémon Company had not responded to similar instances of political use, suggesting that the company’s standpoint may not be as apolitical as it professes.
In a further attempt to engage with the company, Dorr later released a meme depicting a Pokémon card inspired by Trump, continuing the conversation around the intersection of the franchise and politics. The matter has not only drawn the ire of the Pokémon Company but has also raised concerns among various artists regarding the appropriation of their work by the Trump administration.
Numerous celebrities have voiced their frustrations over the unauthorised use of their music and imagery by the White House. For instance, in October, singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins accused the administration of misusing his classic song “Danger Zone” in an AI-generated video that showed Trump in a controversial light.
Additionally, pop artist Olivia Rodrigo publicly condemned the Department of Homeland Security for using her song “All-American Bitch” in a video that she claimed promoted racist sentiments, urging the agency to refrain from using her art for their controversial narratives.
Sabrina Carpenter, another artist affected, described the White House’s implementation of her music in a pro-ICE video as “evil and disgusting.” Similarly, renowned filmmaker Ben Stiller demanded the removal of clips from his work in a montage included in an official promotional video, firmly stating, “We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine.”
The ongoing situation highlights the broader concerns regarding the appropriation of artistic works in political contexts and the responsibilities of corporations and individuals in protecting their intellectual property rights. As reactions continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how such controversies will influence future interactions between popular culture and political activities.