'Game of Thrones' author hits back at Trump's sanctions tweet

'Game of Thrones' author hits back at Trump's sanctions tweet
Donald Trump used a Game of Thrones theme to warn Iran that 'sanctions are coming.
2 min read
04 November, 2018
Trump adopted the Game of Thrones slogan for his meme [Twitter]
Donald Trump's warning to Iran of uncoming US sanctions has backfired, after the makers of hit series Game of Thrones - who the president referenced in the tweet - hit back.

The meme adopted the slogan from the hit series saying "Winter is Coming", used as a message of foreboding for grave times ahead.

Trump's tweet uses an image of a stern-faced Trump with a dark background warning "Sanctions are Coming, 5 November", just a few days ahead of new US economic on Tehran.

The new sanctions are the toughest Iran faces in years, with Trump previously stating his aim was to push Tehran's oil exports down to "zero".

Trump said the return to a freeze in relations with Iran were to get a better deal over Tehran's nuclear programme, and to stop its rocket-building programme and support for militia groups in the region.

Many analysts have warned that the sanctions will also likely harm Iranian civilians and increase instability in the region.

Makes of the series HBO hit back at Trump for using the Game of Thrones slogan without permission.


"We were not aware of this messaging and would prefer our trademark not be misappropriated for political purposes," the broadcaster said, according to CNN.

The author of the books, George Martin, which the TV series are based on also took offence at the meme.

He called on fans to vote against Trump in the upcoming mid-term elections, which take place a day after the new sanctions kick in.


Even an Istangram account linked to Iranian paramilitary general Qasem Soleimani sent a message to Trump using the Game of Thrones theme.


Perhaps the most biting description of Trump has been from George Martin, comparing him to a notorious child king character in the book series.

Joffrey is a cruel, power-hungry, priggish teenage ruler who is guided by fear and hatred - surrounding himself only with yes-men.

Martin said the current president of the US bears many similarities.

"I think Joffrey is now the king in America. And he's grown up just as petulant and irrational as he was when he was thirteen in the books," Martin told Esquire last year.