SpaceX has reached a settlement with Cards Against Humanity after the party game company accused the rocket manufacturer of illegally using a piece of land in Texas. The dispute stemmed from the company’s efforts to block a controversial border wall proposed by former President Donald Trump.
Cards Against Humanity purchased the land in 2017, raising funds from approximately 150,000 donors who contributed $15 each. The objective was to create hurdles for the wall’s construction, which was a key promise of Trump’s administration. The settlement comes just weeks before a trial was set to commence on November 3, 2024, as reported by the Associated Press.
Details of the Dispute
The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, alleged that SpaceX had been using the vacant land without permission for over a year. Cards Against Humanity claimed that the company dumped construction materials, parked vehicles, and cleared vegetation on the property. The lawsuit sought up to $15 million from SpaceX to restore the land to its original condition.
According to court documents obtained by Ars Technica, SpaceX failed to seek permission to use the land, ignoring both its private ownership and a clear “No Trespassing” sign. The company had acquired adjacent lots and began modifying the area for its operations, which included running equipment and lights.
Facing the prospect of a costly legal battle, Cards Against Humanity opted to settle rather than proceed to trial. In a statement, the company explained, “Under Texas law, even if we had won at trial (and we would have, given their admission to trespassing), we likely wouldn’t have been able to recoup our legal fees. And SpaceX certainly seemed ready to dramatically outspend us on lawyers.”
Impact on Donors and Future Plans
Despite not winning financial compensation, Cards Against Humanity promised to honor its commitment to its donors. The company designed a free mini-pack of cards themed around Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, to distribute to those who contributed to the land purchase. They wrote in an update that “soon, the land will be returned to its natural state: no space garbage, and still completely free of pointless border walls.”
This unusual feud between a party game company and a leading aerospace firm underscores the lengths to which organizations will go to influence political decisions. Cards Against Humanity’s creative approach to activism has drawn attention, highlighting the intersection of entertainment, politics, and environmental stewardship.
As the settlement concludes this chapter, both SpaceX and Cards Against Humanity appear to be moving forward, albeit with different priorities. For now, the land will return to its natural state, free from the impacts of corporate activities and political ambitions.
