In 2017, the creators of the popular card game Cards Against Humanity executed a highly publicized stunt that captured headlines as a form of satirical protest. The company purchased a plot of vacant land on the U.S.-Mexico border with the purported intention of obstructing the construction of then President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall. This move was part of their holiday promotion, which they aptly named "Cards Against Humanity Saves America."

As an initial phase of this campaign, Cards Against Humanity offered their followers a one-time purchase of $15, promising a set of new cards and a map highlighting the piece of land they had bought. They humorously claimed that they had "retained a law firm specializing in eminent domain to make it as time-consuming and expensive as possible for the wall to get built." This was in direct response to President Trump's focus on immigration and his promise to build a border wall to prevent illegal entry into the United States.

The purchase was not just a gimmick for laughs and sales. It was a stark form of protest that addressed serious political issues, blending Cards Against Humanity's trademark irreverence with a tangible action that brought attention to debates around immigration policy, national security, and land use rights. Importantly, this event illustrated how companies can engage in activism and focus public debate on contentious issues.

Despite the limited impact that purchasing a small piece of land could realistically have on a federal infrastructure project of such magnitude, the stunt was successful in terms of public relations. Cards Against Humanity's campaign went viral, sparking extensive media coverage and discussion about the feasibility and ethics of the proposed border wall. Moreover, it solidified the brand’s image as provocateurs willing to take audacious stands on major issues, blending commerce, politics, and satire.

While the long-term effectiveness of their attempt to block the wall is unclear, it remains a memorable example of how companies and individuals have used their platform and resources to challenge political issues in unconventional ways. Whether viewed as a piece of performance art or a serious act of protest, the acquisition was emblematic of the divided opinions on immigration and border security policies in the Trump era.