Cards Against Humanity is adopting an unconventional strategy in response to U.S. trade policies by introducing a unique edition titled “Cards Against Humanity Explains the Joke.” Instead of serving as a playable party game, this new version offers detailed explanations for every card, transforming it from a game into an information product. As a result, the company says the product qualifies for exemption from tariffs imposed under the Trump administration. Pre-orders for this edition are now open for $25, with all profits earmarked for the American Library Association to combat censorship. The move intertwines political commentary, marketing, and advocacy, illustrating the company’s long-established penchant for provocative stunts.
Previously, Cards Against Humanity engaged in political activism, including purchasing land on the U.S.-Mexico border in 2017 to impede the construction of a border wall and filing a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s SpaceX over land disputes. Past campaigns focused more on satire or direct protest but did not involve product reclassification to navigate government policy. The current approach appears more calculated, harnessing regulatory classifications to further both commercial and activist aims, demonstrating a shift from symbolic gestures to tangible responses with direct financial and social implications.
Why Redefine a Game as an Information Product?
By labeling “Cards Against Humanity Explains the Joke” as informational material, the company avoids tariffs typically levied on games made overseas. The cards pair each of the well-known jokes with comprehensive explanations, including context on their social, political, or historical relevance. The company obtained an official ruling from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, securing the product’s status as tariff-exempt informational content.
What Distinguishes This Edition From the Original Game?
While classic Cards Against Humanity thrives on group participation and humor that can be taboo or controversial, the “Explains the Joke” edition lacks gameplay. Each card now delivers an analytical breakdown of the joke. For example, a card referencing “this week’s mass shooting” features commentary on how the frequency of such events shapes perceptions. The shift in format is not merely a semantic distinction—the company emphasizes that this edition is “very serious and definitely not a game.”
Where Do Profits Go and Who Can Purchase?
Cards Against Humanity directs 100% of the profits from this edition to the American Library Association, aiming to support anti-censorship efforts. However, the product is exclusively available to U.S. customers, reinforcing the campaign’s politically charged rhetoric. Addressing potential concerns, the company asserts in its FAQ that government objections are futile, citing a binding customs ruling.
“We got a binding ruling from Trump’s own government that confirms this product is informational and 100% exempt from his stupid tariffs,”
the company declares. Pre-orders are limited, ending October 15, after which the edition will no longer be available.
Known for polarizing marketing tactics, Cards Against Humanity continues its tradition of direct confrontation with political figures and policies. This time, it targets trade tariffs imposed during Donald Trump’s presidency, integrating product development with their critical stance. The campaign deliberately positions itself as anti-censorship, aligning with organizations engaged in First Amendment advocacy.
“This is an American promotion for freedom-loving, tariff-hating Americans,”
company representatives state, signaling the product’s message and intended audience.
Intertwining advocacy, satire, and commerce, Cards Against Humanity’s approach with “Explains the Joke” combines legal maneuvering with political protest to challenge tariff policy. The tactics exhibit the adaptability of brands in leveraging regulatory frameworks to confront government measures while simultaneously supporting causes related to free speech. For consumers, the product offers a window into the intersection of law, satire, and activism in contemporary American culture. Those interested in purchasing similar products or resisting perceived overreach through commerce may draw lessons from this approach. Readers seeking to avoid import tariffs with creative product classifications should, however, consult legal expertise, as regulatory environments can shift quickly and may not favor all attempts at reclassifying goods.
- Cards Against Humanity introduces “Explains the Joke” to bypass Trump-era tariffs.
- Each card contains a detailed joke explanation, removing the gameplay element.
- Profits from U.S. sales support the American Library Association’s anti-censorship work.
