Cinema VinesPop star Katy Perry has publicly condemned the White House for using her 2010 hit “Firework” in a TikTok clip that paired the song’s soaring chorus with footage of military strikes. The government post, shared on Thursday, timed the lyric “boom, boom, boom” with images of explosions, while the caption read “Iran has been warned,” according to Variety. Perry, who never granted permission for the track’s use, took to X on Saturday morning to issue a stern statement: “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. I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it. I wrote this song to be an anthem of hope, healing, and inner strength for people going through their darkest personal moments. To see a message of self‑worth and upliftment weaponized to soundtrack destruction and violence is a complete violation of everything my song stands for. My music is for bringing people together, not celebrating warfare.”
The White House’s post arrived amid a pause in a potential large‑scale escalation against Iran, as the Trump administration reportedly signals a “locked and loaded” stance while diplomatic talks continue. U.S. Central Command has, however, maintained strikes on Iranian missile, maritime and nuclear targets, a fact highlighted by Variety. Perry’s criticism joins a growing chorus of artists who have taken a stand against the use of their music by political entities. In June, Ariana Grande called out the White House for featuring a version of her 2024 single “Bye” in a TikTok that showed ICE agents arresting people. Other musicians—Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Celine Dion, Neil Young and the Rolling Stones—have previously denounced Trump for using their songs in rallies or videos without their endorsement.
Online reactions to Perry’s post were mixed. Some users pointed out her past licensing deals, noting that her music is available on TikTok under a broad, multi‑year agreement with Universal Music Group that reportedly earned her $225 million. Others questioned the authenticity of her claim, with one comment suggesting she had sold the rights and should “go make out with her communist boyfriend.” Despite the backlash, Perry’s statement underscores her stance that her music is intended to inspire unity, not to serve as a soundtrack for conflict.
