A social media post from the White House has sparked controversy after appearing to use imagery inspired by the Pokémon franchise without permission. The post mimicked the visual style of the recently released game Pokémon Pokopia and included the words “Make America Great Again.” It has already garnered more than 16 million views and thousands of comments, with many users questioning whether it was an official collaboration. Some commenters said they would no longer purchase merchandise from the franchise.  

Pokémon Distances Itself From MAGA Post 

Pokémon Company International subsequently issued a statement, distancing itself from the post. “We are aware of recent social content that includes imagery associated with our brand,” read the statement. “We were not involved in its creation or distribution, and no permission was granted for the use of our intellectual property. Our mission is to bring the world together, and that mission is not affiliated with any political viewpoint or agenda.”

Anti-immigrant text added to Nagai’s “Impender Beach” artwork was posted without the artist’s permission | Image: US Homeland Security via X

A Pattern of Unapproved Use

This is not the first time the US government accounts have used unapproved imagery. Last year Nintendo made a similar statement after the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a video on X and TikTok that included Pokémon’s theme song and other imagery associated with the brand. The footage showed several arrests made by Border Patrol and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents along with the Pokémon slogan, “Gotta catch ’em all.” Fake Pokémon cards are then shown at the end of the video, featuring images of people arrested by ICE. 

Earlier this year, Japanese graphic designer and illustrator Hiroshi Nagai condemned the DHS on X after the official government account posted a graphic utilizing his work to promote immigrant deportation. Published on New Year’s Day, it used “Impeder Beach,” a tropical neon-colored painting featuring palm trees, a clear blue sky and dramatic waves. Rather than apologizing, the government agency defended its actions. “DHS will continue using every tool at its disposal to keep American people informed as our agents work to Make America Great Again,” read the statement.

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Updated On March 6, 2026