Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Mistakes Video Game Footage for U.S.–Iran Combat Video
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott briefly reposted and then deleted a video game clip, mistaking it for real footage of U.S. strikes on Iranian forces — a misstep that spread misinformation on social media.
The error came amid heightened tensions after U.S. and Israeli military hits on Iran, when social platforms have been flooded with conflicting and fake visuals.
Abbott shared a short clip showing what looked like an aircraft being downed over water, adding the one-word caption “Bye bye” in reply to another user’s post.
Soon after, X added a “Readers added context” warning to the post, clarifying the video was simulated footage from the video game War Thunder — not an actual battle scene — and that the U.S. Navy doesn’t use battleships like those shown.
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“It became clear the clip was not what it was portrayed to be,” one commenter noted, pointing to the video game origin.
The mistake matters because leaders’ social posts can quickly amplify false narratives, especially during crises when unverified footage is widely shared.
After removing the post, Abbott issued a separate official statement endorsing the strikes and directing Texas Department of Public Safety and the National Guard to increase security at ports, energy facilities, and the southern border to prepare for possible retaliation.
Other Texas leaders have also publicly backed the military actions, while some local voices express concern about broader U.S. involvement without congressional authorization.
What happens next: Abbott’s office may face questions over social media verification policies as misinformation continues to spread alongside real geopolitical developments.
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