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# The White House’s Conflicting Messages: An Examination of Trump’s Connection with Farmers and Video Game Culture

The narrative surrounding President Donald Trump’s administration and its stance on agriculture has garnered both interest and criticism. Amid growing worries for the farming industry, the administration has underscored its backing for farmers, even in light of policies that have profoundly affected their economic stability.

## A Virtual Homage to Farmers

On March 27, 2026, the official White House Twitter account disseminated an AI-crafted video showcasing a digital likeness of President Trump declaring “Make Farming Great Again.” The video depicted Trump in a picturesque, virtual farm environment reminiscent of the beloved game *Animal Crossing*, complete with endearing animal villagers. Complementing the video was a modified iteration of the game’s emblem that honored National Agriculture Week, seeking to convey a sense of goodwill towards the agricultural community.

Shortly after, the White House account uploaded an image of Trump’s avatar engaging with well-known *Animal Crossing* characters, exemplifying this fusion of agriculture, digital culture, and political messaging. These posts were shared alongside an announcement where Trump convened farmers at the White House to deliberate on $12 billion in agricultural aid, although critics pointedly highlighted the failure to address how his trade policies, including tariffs on China, were adversely affecting farmers.

## The Effects of Trade Policies on Farmers

While the White House claims to value farmers, many are enduring hardships due to the ongoing fallout from Trump’s trade confrontation with China. Policies aimed at securing improved trade agreements have resulted in substantial economic pressure on the agricultural industry, raising alarms about the viability of farming for numerous individuals. Detractors contend that the administration’s emphasis on social media initiatives, like the *Animal Crossing* homage, diverts attention from the genuine challenges confronting farmers.

## Video Games as Propaganda Instruments

Utilizing video game imagery and concepts is not an unfamiliar tactic for Trump’s administration. Over the years, the White House has integrated various gaming references into its communication strategies. Previous examples include nods to *Halo* and *Pokémon*, employing elements from these franchises to express messages associated with contentious policies, such as immigration enforcement and military operations.

In one memorable case, a video featuring a *Call of Duty* animation was circulated to commemorate military initiatives but was subsequently withdrawn, illustrating the delicate nature of intertwining political narratives with video game culture. Furthermore, the Pokémon Company publicly criticized the use of its imagery in political contexts, reaffirming its dedication to remaining neutral in political affairs.

## Conclusion

The contrast of President Trump’s digital homage to farmers amidst a backdrop of detrimental trade policies provokes crucial inquiries about authenticity and tactics in political communication. By harnessing video game culture, the administration endeavors to engage younger demographics and further its messaging, but whether this strategy effectively confronts the genuine difficulties faced by farmers remains unclear. As the agricultural industry continues to navigate its unpredictable circumstances, it is evident that the intricacies extend well beyond the digital sphere and into the realities of economic policy and support.

### GOG’s Fresh Beginning: Autonomy with Michał Kiciński

GOG, the well-known digital gaming marketplace celebrated for its dedication to DRM-free experiences and safeguarding of vintage titles, has officially parted ways with its parent organization, CD Projekt Red (CDPR). This shift signifies a major transformation for both GOG and the larger gaming industry as it begins a new chapter under the complete ownership of one of its co-founders, Michał Kiciński.

#### Acquisition Details

On December 29, 2023, CDPR revealed that Michał Kiciński has purchased all of GOG’s shares for 90 million PLN, which is roughly 25 million USD. Notably, this acquisition did not require Kiciński to divest any shares of CDPR, enabling him to maintain his role within the company while directing GOG’s future.

In an official announcement, GOG managing director Maciej Gołębiewski conveyed a shared vision between GOG and Kiciński, underlining their collective goal to ensure the longevity of games. He remarked, “In a market that’s growing increasingly crowded, more restricted, and forgets classic games at a faster rate, we’re focusing on what only GOG can do: resurrecting classics, ensuring they remain playable on modern PCs, and assisting remarkable games in discovering their audience over time.”

#### History and Purpose of GOG

Initially established as Good Old Games in October 2008, GOG began as a niche platform for retro gaming, offering a venue for different publishers and developers to market their titles free from digital rights management (DRM). Over time, GOG has broadened its array of offerings greatly, now featuring both recent releases and classic games, along with a strong preservation initiative focused on keeping older games functioning on current hardware, even in the absence of publisher support.

#### Reasons for the Sale

Regarding the acquisition, CDPR co-CEO Michał Nowakowski explained the rationale behind the decision to divest GOG. With an ambitious development agenda planned for CDPR aimed at expanding its franchises and projects, it became strategically beneficial to allow GOG to function autonomously. He voiced confidence in Kiciński’s stewardship, asserting that GOG is now in “exceptionally capable hands” and that its future will flourish under Kiciński’s leadership.

#### Continued Collaboration

Even with the official separation, CDPR has assured players that it will keep releasing its new titles on the GOG platform, preserving the existing relationship between the two organizations, albeit with different operational frameworks. For gamers, this continuity signifies that the familiar platform remains unchanged regarding access to CDPR titles, while simultaneously supporting GOG’s independent endeavors.

#### Conclusion

The acquisition of GOG by Michał Kiciński signals the dawn of a new period for the platform, dedicated to enriching the gaming experience for players while upholding the heritage of classic games. As Kiciński guides GOG’s vision into the future, the focus on maintaining gaming history and building a community-oriented platform hints at a bright future for this iconic marketplace in a swiftly changing digital environment.

Have you ever noticed your next company-wide meeting’s due and thought the following: ‘Oh, we should post an image prominently featuring a screen from a game rumoured to potentially be getting the remake or remaster treatment, but solely to illustrate how much we love meetings’? Well, Iron Galaxy Studios – co-developers of Skyrim‘s Switch port and support studio on Fallout 76 – say was what happened late last week. The studio say their social media posts featuring Fallout: New Vegas‘ ‘Please Stand By’ screen have “nothing to do with anything Fallout being worked on”.

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