Donald Trump and the White House official X account has ignited a firestorm of criticism after posting an edited video that intercuts hard-hitting NFL and college football highlights with footage of airstrikes in Iran, all set to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.”
The clip, which has garnered over three million views, features iconic tackles from players like Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, abruptly transitioning to explosions and bombing runs—widely assumed to be footage from recent U.S.-backed strikes in the Middle East.
The White House used video of NFL and NCAA football hits cut between Iran bombing footage - Via @WhiteHouse Twitter (X)
The White House used video of NFL and NCAA football hits cut between Iran bombing footage – Via @WhiteHouse Twitter (X)
Donald Trump White House Video Sparks Outrage: NFL Hits Montage Mixed with Iran Bombing Footage Draws Ruthless Backlash
The juxtaposition has left sports fans and political observers stunned, with many calling the video “sick,” “disgraceful,” and “tone-deaf” in light of reported civilian casualties, including the bombing of a girls’ school and American losses. Here is the video:
Touchdown pic.twitter.com/aDNdqBdRzG
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 6, 2026
Donald Trump and his administration have faced immediate and ruthless backlash in the comments section of the post. Users flooded the replies with condemnation:
“This is a pretty sick thing to joke about especially after bombing a girl’s school and losing American lives. This is why nobody takes Trump supporters seriously.”
“wtf is wrong with yall.”
“Does a 13 year old run this account?”
“I don’t think you realize how much the American people are offended by this type of content.”
The video’s soundtrack—a staple of NFL and NCAA gameday playlists—only amplified the outrage, with critics arguing that glorifying military action through sports highlight aesthetics trivializes war and disrespects both the athletes and the victims of the conflict.
Adding to the controversy, Hollywood actor and director Ben Stiller publicly demanded the White House remove a clip from his 2008 film Tropic Thunder that appeared in the video. In a pointed post, Stiller wrote: “Hey White House, please remove the Tropic Thunder clip. We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine. War is not a movie.”
President Donald Trump speaks to a crowd of soldiers on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at Fort Bragg. © Andrew Craft / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
President Donald Trump speaks to a crowd of soldiers on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at Fort Bragg. © Andrew Craft / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The incident is the latest in a string of unauthorized music and footage controversies for the Trump administration. Artists such as Sabrina Carpenter and Kesha have previously demanded the White House stop using their songs in promotional posts without permission, highlighting ongoing tensions between the administration’s social media strategy and intellectual property rights.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the NFL and NCAA for comment on the use of game footage in the politically charged video, but neither organization has responded at the time of publication.
As the war in the Middle East continues to escalate, the White House’s decision to blend NFL highlights with bombing footage has drawn widespread ridicule and condemnation, further polarizing public opinion on the administration’s communication style during a time of serious global conflict.
Stay tuned for updates on the White House video backlash, Donald Trump administration social media controversies, NFL and NCAA responses, and the ongoing situation in Iran.
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