A significant buzz surrounds U.S. President Donald Trump once again, stemming from his recent comments suggesting Canada could become the 51st state, his unpredictable interactions with global leaders, and his efforts to test the boundaries of presidential authority. While many of his decisions have sparked criticism from Canadians since the beginning of his second term in January, they have also inspired a group of teenagers from London, Ontario, who have developed a new board game.
The teenagers are determined to revitalize the world of board games with their creation, “American Dictator.” According to Adam Palma, aged 15 and one of the game’s creators, their motivation stems from the need to raise awareness and push back against Trump’s actions, which have not always been favorable towards Canada. The game satirizes what the group perceives as Trump’s controversial decisions and behavior, such as proposing to rename bodies of water, focusing on a “Big Beautiful Bill” related to taxes and spending, and facing prominent legal disputes.
In “American Dictator,” players aim to acquire and control American cities where they can develop a golf course, resort, or tower. The game features elements reminiscent of “Monopoly,” with unique spaces where players can imprison opponents in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, manipulate the game’s rules with a Supreme Court justice, or visit a casino for financial gains. Additionally, players must draw cards presenting questionable decisions and pay penalties to others.
The game highlights the trend of Canadians avoiding travel to the U.S., with one card in particular causing a player’s hotel to go bankrupt due to decreased Canadian tourism. Ben Whitmill, aged 15 and a co-creator of the game, describes the decisions in the game as both humorous and reflective of real-life events, emphasizing the absurdity of Trump’s actions.
The teenagers behind “American Dictator” initially conceived the idea during a weekend at a cottage in Grand Bend, where they were inspired to imagine how Trump would approach a board game. They believe that the game serves as an engaging tool to educate youth about politics and stimulate discussions about current affairs in a lighthearted manner.
Since its release for $50 last week, “American Dictator” has garnered 25 sales, with no purchases yet from American customers. The group plans to expand their line of geopolitical games, including a rendition of “Cards Against Humanity” named “Cards Against Democracy.” The project is financed by the families of the group members and offers additional merchandise like T-shirts and mugs for purchase online.
The creators express a desire for President Trump to play their game and are curious about his potential reaction. They hope that players will recognize the importance of standing up for principles, even in challenging circumstances, and safeguarding the interests of their country.