Iran’s meme war against Trump ushers in a future of ‘slopaganda’
Iran has shifted its online propaganda strategy during its recent conflict with the US and Israel, using satirical animated memes to mock American and Israeli leaders. These memes, often featuring Lego-style figures, have gained millions of views and resonated particularly with younger audiences. Experts describe this tactic, dubbed 'slopaganda', as a sign of evolving digital warfare that could influence future political and military information campaigns.
- ▪Iranian state-linked accounts have used satirical animated videos to portray Donald Trump and other US figures as incompetent or villainous.
- ▪The videos, produced by a group calling itself Explosive Media, use AI-generated Lego-style animations and have garnered around 900 million views in 50 days.
- ▪Experts at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue note a thirtyfold increase in engagement compared to pre-war activity and describe the campaign as a replicable model for authoritarian influence.
- ▪The content leverages Gen Z internet culture and social media algorithms to undermine support for the US and Israel.
- ▪The 'Victory Chronicles' series is associated with the Revayat-e Fath Institute, which has ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
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For subscribersIran’s meme war against Trump ushers in a future of ‘slopaganda’Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxThis illustration photo shows a Lego-style AI-generated war-themed video in front of a photo of US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.PHOTO: AFPSteven Lee Myers, Stuart A. ThompsonPublished May 02, 2026, 09:59 AMUpdated May 02, 2026, 09:59 AMWhen the US-Israeli war with Iran started two months ago, online accounts linked to Tehran tried building sympathy with defiant and emotional appeals. They had little impact.Then, as the war dragged on, Iran shifted tactics. It began circulating short animated videos that scorched US President Donald Trump and others with biting satire.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.