The iconic Halo series finds itself embroiled in controversy after the Department of Homeland Security used the game’s imagery for promotional purposes. This move has sparked outrage among key developers of the original game, who feel the game’s legacy is being misused, especially in the promotion of ICE.
Halo’s Unexpected Political Entanglement
Recently, reports surfaced about the White House engaging in the console wars using an AI image of Donald Trump as Master Chief. This image, depicting Trump saluting in front of a star-spangled banner with only 40 stars, has been viewed over 43 million times. The commotion coincides with Microsoft’s announcement of Halo: Campaign Evolved, a reimagining of the 2001 classic, slated for a 2026 release on various platforms, including PlayStation 5—marking a historic first for the series.
Power to the Players https://t.co/GqNu0qdgmw pic.twitter.com/4Hw6G7i7aW
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 27, 2025
Backlash from Halo’s Creators
The Department of Homeland Security’s use of Halo to promote ICE recruitment, where the alien Flood is likened to immigrants, has ignited criticism from original Halo developers. Marcus Lehto, former art director of Combat Evolved, condemned the campaign as “absolutely abhorrent.” Jaime Griesemer, another core developer, criticized the depiction of the Flood as representing any group of people, asserting it crosses a line. “Using Halo imagery in a call to ‘destroy’ people because of their immigration status goes way too far, and ought to offend every Halo fan, regardless of political orientation,” Griesemer said.
Finishing this fight. pic.twitter.com/6Ezq9NUqMq
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) October 27, 2025
Microsoft remains silent amidst the uproar, unlike The Pokémon Company, which swiftly addressed a similar issue with its brand being used without permission in Homeland Security’s content.
The Bigger Picture of Cultural and Political Implications
While the Trump administration’s use of AI images, such as Trump as the Pope and a Jedi, continues to stir public conversation, the underlying issue reflects a broader trend of media and cultural symbols being co-opted for political narratives. Microsoft’s current stance contrasts with previous corporate responses, leaving fans and critics questioning the implications for intellectual property and brand identity in political contexts.
The ongoing debate begs the question of what actions, if any, companies like Microsoft can or will take to protect their creations from being entangled in politics. The situation mirrors another instance where The Pokémon Company chose not to take legal action, citing various strategic reasons, as advised by former legal personnel.
As the landscape of political imagery continues to evolve, the question looms: How will iconic games navigate the balance between their rich cultural narratives and unintended political associations?