In recent years, the use of social media has become an integral part of political communication. It has become a powerful tool for governments to reach out to citizens and promote their policies and agendas. However, the Trump administration has taken this to a new level by using references to the popular game “Fortnite” to promote its immigration enforcement agenda on social media.
For those who are not familiar with the game, Fortnite is a multiplayer online video game that has gained immense popularity among gamers of all ages. It has a vast player base, with millions of active users worldwide. The game has a unique concept where players are dropped onto an island and have to fight against each other to be the last one standing. It has become a cultural phenomenon, with its own dances, memes, and merchandise.
The Trump administration has cleverly used this popularity to their advantage. In 2019, the official Twitter account of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) tweeted a picture of a Fortnite character with the caption, “Fortnite is popular for a reason!” The image showed a character holding a weapon with the words “The wall is coming” written on it. This tweet was in reference to President Trump’s controversial plan to build a wall along the US-Mexico border to curb immigration.
This tweet caused a stir on social media, with many users criticizing the USCIS for using a popular game to promote their political agenda. However, this was not the only instance of the Trump administration using Fortnite references to promote their immigration policies.
In June 2018, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a video titled “Walls Work” on its official YouTube channel. The video featured a montage of clips from Fortnite, with the message “Walls work. Just ask any builder.” The video aimed to promote the idea that a physical barrier, such as a wall, is necessary to secure the US borders and prevent illegal immigration.
Furthermore, in July 2018, the official Twitter account of the White House shared a video with the caption, “How many victories would you have if you didn’t have a wall?” The video showed a Fortnite player building a wall to protect themselves from enemy attacks in the game. This tweet was in response to the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of a border wall in curbing illegal immigration.
The use of Fortnite references has not been limited to just social media. In April 2019, the DHS released a recruitment video titled “Find Your Calling: Border Patrol Agent” on its official YouTube channel. The video featured a Border Patrol agent playing Fortnite with the message, “If you’re good at Fortnite, you might be a great fit for Border Patrol.” This video aimed to attract young people who are interested in gaming and highlight the job opportunities available in the Border Patrol.
The Trump administration’s use of Fortnite references to promote its immigration enforcement agenda has been met with mixed reactions. While some have criticized it for trivializing a serious issue like immigration, others have praised it for its creative approach to reaching out to a younger audience.
However, one cannot deny the effectiveness of this strategy. Fortnite has a massive following of young people, and by using references to the game, the Trump administration has been able to reach out to this demographic and promote its policies. It has also sparked discussions and debates among gamers about the issue of immigration and the proposed border wall.
Moreover, the use of popular culture references in political communication is not a new phenomenon. In the past, we have seen politicians and governments using references to movies, TV shows, and music to connect with the public and promote their agendas. The Trump administration’s use of Fortnite references is just another example of this trend.
In conclusion, the Trump administration’s use of Fortnite references to promote its immigration enforcement agenda on social media has been a clever and effective strategy. It has sparked discussions and debates, reached out to a younger audience, and highlighted the importance of securing the US borders. Whether you agree or disagree with their policies, one thing is for sure – the Trump administration knows how to use popular culture to its advantage.
