Katy Perry Slams Trump Administration for Using 'Firework' in Iran Military Strikes Video

Katy Perry publicly condemned the White House after its official TikTok account used her 2010 hit 'Firework' in a video of U.S. missile strikes.

Katy Perry declared she is 'deeply appalled and angry' after the White House's official TikTok account set footage of U.S. military missile strikes against Iran to her 2010 anthem 'Firework.' Perry posted her objection publicly on Saturday morning, making clear she did not authorize the use of the song for that purpose, and directed her criticism specifically at the Trump administration. The White House TikTok account had posted the video earlier in the week, pairing imagery of the U.S. military strikes in Iran with Perry's hit record. Perry stated: 'I am deeply appalled and angry to see Firework used on the @WhiteHouse TikTok account as a backing track for video footage of military strikes.' 'Firework,' released in 2010, became one of Perry's signature songs and a broadly recognized pop anthem. The dispute fits into a recurring pattern of artists publicly objecting when their music is used without permission — or against their wishes — in political or military contexts.

Why it matters

Unauthorized or contested use of copyrighted music by government accounts raises both legal questions around licensing and broader questions about implied endorsement by the artist. Perry's public objection signals she does not want the song associated with military action.

What's next

It is not reported whether Perry plans legal action or whether the White House has taken down the video.

Key facts

• The White House's official TikTok account posted a video of U.S. missile strikes set to 'Firework'
• Katy Perry posted her public objection on Saturday morning
• Perry described herself as 'deeply appalled and angry' over the use
• 'Firework' was originally released in 2010 and is one of Perry's most recognized songs
• No statement from the White House explaining the music choice was included in reporting

Bias & framing notes

Both TMZ and Just Jared are entertainment-focused outlets with a track record of celebrity news; TMZ's framing ('erupts,' 'fiery,' 'exploded') is more sensational, while Just Jared quotes Perry's own words more directly. Neither outlet includes a response or statement from the White House, leaving only Perry's side of the dispute represented. The core facts — that the White House TikTok used the song and Perry objected publicly — are consistent across both sources.

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