The White House has faced widespread criticism after posting a cartoonish bowling video on social media to promote airstrikes on Iran. The 34-second clip, shared on X on March 12, has been described as both 'cringeworthy' and 'absolutely shameful' by users.
The video begins with a clip from ESPN featuring bowling legend Pete Weber's 2012 viral moment, before cutting to an animated desert scene with bowling pins representing Iranian officials. One pin holds a sign reading 'We won't stop making nuclear weapons,' and the pins are shown brandishing guns. A bowling ball painted with the US flag then strikes the pins, causing them to explode, accompanied by Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Free Bird' and a voice shouting, 'Here comes the heat from the USA.'
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, killing former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since appointed his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new supreme leader. President Donald Trump has boasted about the military's successes, claiming there is 'practically nothing left to target.'
Social media users condemned the video, with one writing, 'The White House reduces the seriousness of war to a bowling alley.' Another said, 'My God, is this really what this country has become?' The Texas Reporter commented on Facebook, 'Real countries. Real People. Real consequences. This isn’t a game.'
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the video, stating that under President Trump, 'America’s heroic warfighters are meeting or surpassing all of their goals under Operation Epic Fury.' She added that the White House will continue showcasing the destruction of Iran's ballistic missiles and nuclear ambitions. Pete Weber and Lynyrd Skynyrd have not yet commented on the use of their content.
