Members of the National Guard were spotted playing fully-functional arcade games satirizing the Trump administration's war in Iran at the D.C. War Memorial. The games, installed by the group Secret Handshake, were erected just a day prior.
Background on National Guard Deployment
President Donald Trump sent approximately 2,500 National Guard members to Washington, D.C., last year as part of a purported crime crackdown. However, for nearly eight months, the Guard has primarily performed tasks such as beautifying parks, shoveling snow, and patrolling the National Mall alongside tourists. Notably, crime was already declining in D.C. when the troops were deployed. The deployment has no set end date and costs taxpayers over $1 million per day, according to The Associated Press.
Secret Handshake's Statement
Secret Handshake expressed delight in seeing service members enjoy the game. In a statement to HuffPost, the group emphasized that the comedy and critique are directed solely at the administration, not the military or those serving. The installation took three weeks to create and will remain at the D.C. War Memorial for only a few more days.
Cost of Iran War
The Pentagon has reported that the cost of the U.S. war in Iran has surged to $29 billion, with expectations of further increases as the administration struggles to find an exit strategy. President Trump stated on Monday that a ceasefire in Iran is on "massive life support." U.S. consumer prices have risen 3.8% due to the war, and energy prices have climbed significantly. Brent crude oil has been trading between $104 and $107 per barrel since Friday.
Controversy Over National Guard Presence
The presence of the National Guard in D.C. has been highly controversial, with many residents opposing the deployment of federally deployed troops—some armed—in a largely peaceful city. The district sued to halt the deployment last fall, calling it an "involuntary military occupation." A federal judge ruled the deployment unconstitutional, but on appeal, the administration prevailed, allowing troops to remain. This decision was partly attributed to Washington, D.C.'s lack of statehood. Appellate judges noted that because D.C. is a federal district, the President likely possesses unique power to mobilize the Guard there.
Neither the White House nor the National Guard responded to HuffPost's request for comment.
Secret Handshake's Previous Installations
Secret Handshake has created several installations satirizing President Trump and his relationship with late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In March, the group erected a 12-foot statue of Trump and Epstein inspired by the film "Titanic," depicting the men embracing. In January, they installed a massive rendering of Trump's alleged birthday card to Epstein on what would have been his 73rd birthday. Additionally, in September, the group displayed a statue of Trump and Epstein holding hands to celebrate Friendship Month.
