Katy Perry 'appalled' White House used 'Firework' in Iran war video

Pop star Katy Perry has publicly rebuked the White House after its official TikTok account used her 2010 hit 'Firework' as the soundtrack for a video depicting US military strikes in Iran. In a post on X, Perry said she was 'deeply appalled and angry' to see her song 'weaponised' to accompany footage of explosions timed to the lyric 'Boom, boom, boom'. She denied granting permission and stated the use contradicted the anthem's intended message of hope, healing, and inner strength. 'My music is for bringing people together, not celebrating warfare,' she wrote.

The Video and Perry's Response

The short video, posted on Thursday Washington time, featured clips of bombs exploding in Iran with the caption 'Iran has been warned.' The detonations were synced to the chorus of 'Firework,' where Perry sings the explosive onomatopoeia. Perry's statement on X emphasized that she did not approve the use, was not consulted, and absolutely did not condone it. She characterized the White House's appropriation as a 'complete violation' of what the song represents. Her post did not mention whether she would pursue legal action to have the video removed.

Context of Trump's Iran War

The video comes amid a protracted and unpopular US military engagement in Iran under President Donald Trump. Since February, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 18 US service members, with four killed in renewed hostilities after Trump declared earlier in the month that a US-Iran ceasefire was 'over.' The administration's handling of the war has drawn widespread criticism, and the TikTok post appeared to be a display of military strength despite the mounting casualties and lack of a clear exit strategy.

Artists vs. the Trump Administration

Perry is not the first musician to object to the White House's use of their work. In June, Ariana Grande rebuked the administration for using her song 'Bye' in a TikTok video depicting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions, calling the practice 'barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense.' Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and the rock band Semisonic have similarly condemned the Trump administration for featuring their music in official videos promoting ICE activities. These incidents highlight a growing pattern of artists distancing themselves from Trump's policies.

Legal and Forward-Looking Implications

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Perry's objection. While Perry has not signaled whether she will take legal steps to compel removal of the video, the precedent set by other artists suggests that such disputes often end with the administration quietly taking down the content or facing public backlash. The episode underscores the ongoing tension between creative expression and political messaging, as artists increasingly assert control over how their music is used in official contexts. Perry's strong condemnation adds to the chorus of voices, possibly influencing future White House social media strategies.