Iran Graciously Lets Democrats Use Their Trademarked slogan “Death to America” for 2026 midterm Election
WASHINGTON — The Islamic Republic of Iran announced Thursday that it would graciously permit several Democratic campaign committees to use its trademarked slogan, “Death to America,” for the 2026 midterms, calling the arrangement a gesture of cultural exchange.
The license, which Tehran described as royalty-free “for the duration of the cycle, renewable if useful,” covers rallies, mailers, and social assets. Iranian officials asked only that the phrase not be translated, softened, or followed by an asterisk. American consultants immediately added an asterisk.
“We have used it longer,” a spokesman for the Supreme Leader’s office said. “It seemed only polite to let others borrow it, provided they pronounce it correctly and do not claim they invented it in a brainstorm.”
Campaign aides welcomed the gift. One called the slogan “already in the bloodstream of the coalition,” then clarified that this was a metaphor. Another said internal testing showed strong recognition among voters who already own the T-shirt, and weaker recognition among voters who own the country.
The joint branding guide runs to four pages. Tehran’s version is one line. The American version is one line plus a footnote reading: “Death here meaning a robust conversation about root causes.” State television in Iran aired the line. The campaigns aired the footnote.
Asked whether the license included exclusive rights, Iranian officials said no. “It remains available to anyone who means it,” the spokesman said. “We are simply pleased the paperwork finally matches the chanting.”
Pollsters warned that the message tested poorly among people who still live in the place being sentenced. Aides said those people were not the audience. Tehran agreed, and wished the licensees a productive November.
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