New protest art mocks Trump’s handling of the war in Iran

May 13, 2026 - 16:35

The District of Columbia War Memorial has been given an unexpected makeover, turned into a satirical "game room" by the anonymous protest art collective known as "The Secret Handshake." The group, which has been quietly installing pieces around the capital in recent months, unveiled its latest work to mock President Trump's handling of tensions with Iran.

The installation features oversized, cartoonish game pieces and military-themed props scattered around the memorial's grounds. One piece shows a giant board game titled "Risk: Tehran Edition," with dice and miniature missiles placed on a map of the Middle East. Another display includes a mock "drone strike arcade" machine, where visitors can pull a joystick to trigger a flashing red light and a recorded sound of an explosion.

The Secret Handshake has not claimed responsibility publicly, but a statement posted on social media said the art is meant to highlight what they call "the reckless gamification of foreign policy." The group has previously targeted other monuments with political messages, including a display near the White House last year that criticized immigration policies.

Passersby have had mixed reactions. Some laughed at the absurdity of the setup, while others found it disrespectful to the memorial, which honors local soldiers who died in World War I. Park police have not removed the pieces yet, and no arrests have been reported. The installation is expected to remain in place for at least a few days before being taken down by the artists themselves.