An anonymous art collective known as The Secret Handshake has placed three free arcade machines on the National Mall, featuring a video game that lampoons the Trump administration's military posture toward Iran. The installation, titled “Operation Epic Furious: Strait to Hell,” debuted Monday and continues the group's pattern of guerrilla-style political commentary.
The game simulates a real-time mock-up of conflict with Iran, tasking players with collecting oil barrels and completing missions assigned by administration figures including Vice President Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and FBI Director Kash Patel. Despite the war theme, the creators deliberately omitted guns and shooting, though pixelated fiery explosions are visible on screen.
The ultimate goal is to amass enough Truth Social posts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a pointed reference to ongoing tensions in the region. At startup, the game displays a satirical prompt: “Introducing … a high-octane, flag-waving, boots-on-the-ground simulator where freedom isn’t debated, it’s deployed.” It continues, “No briefings, no hesitation, just pure pixelated patriotism. Strap in and play hard, because this game may never end.”
The arcade machines are available for free on the National Mall, and an online version has already been downloaded more than 14,000 times as of Monday, according to The Washington Post. The group has previously installed a golden toilet statue and a monument depicting President Trump alongside convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, mocking an alleged friendship Trump has denied. Trump has not been criminally charged over ties to Epstein.
The installations have sparked viral social media reactions and public commentary. The National Park Service approved the fixtures via an intermediary, but the individuals behind The Secret Handshake remain anonymous. The group did not respond to requests for comment on the game's placement or intended impact.
This latest piece of political art arrives amid heightened scrutiny of U.S.-Iran relations, including recent clashes in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing ceasefire debates. The game's focus on collecting Truth Social posts underscores the administration's reliance on social media for messaging, while the inclusion of officials like Hegseth and Patel highlights the group's critique of key policy figures.
