Pop singer Katy Perry has expressed strong disapproval after her 2010 hit song "Firework" was used without her consent in a White House TikTok video depicting American military strikes on Iran. The video, which showed a missile targeting an Iranian naval vessel and bore the caption "Iran has been warned," garnered over six million views. Perry took to the social media platform X to condemn the use of her music, stating she was "deeply appalled and angry" that a song intended as an anthem of hope and inner strength was employed to accompany scenes of destruction and violence.
Perry emphasized that she neither approved the use of "Firework" for the video nor condoned its association with military action. She characterized the use of her song as a violation of its original message of self-worth and upliftment. Her reaction adds to a growing list of artists who have publicly criticized the Trump administration for using their music in government social media posts without permission.
Other performers who have voiced objections include Ariana Grande, who requested the removal of her song "Bye" after it was used in a White House video promoting immigration enforcement; Kesha, who criticized the administration for using her song "Blow" in footage of a fighter jet launching a missile; and Sabrina Carpenter, who condemned the use of her song "Juno" in videos showing Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities. Olivia Rodrigo and Beyoncé have also objected to unauthorized uses of their music in political contexts.
The White House has previously published several videos set to popular songs accompanying images of military or immigration enforcement activities. Following Perry’s public statement, Kaelan Dorr, the White House principal deputy communications director, shared a clip of Perry’s 2012 song "Part of Me," which featured the singer in marine fatigues, seemingly in response to her criticisms.
This controversy unfolds amid a temporary pause in U.S. military air strikes on Iran, which followed nearly two weeks of intensified bombing campaigns. Perry’s comments also drew attention due to her relationship with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has been a frequent target of President Trump’s rhetoric.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between artists' control over their creative works and government use of popular culture in political messaging, particularly concerning sensitive issues such as military conflict and immigration enforcement.