Katy Perry Slams White House for Using Firework in Military Video

Katy Perry is “appalled.” That is how the pop star described her reaction to the Trump administration’s unauthorized use of her 2010 hit “Firework” in a military video showcasing strikes in Iran.

The dispute ignited after a White House social media post paired the upbeat track with footage of military action. According to reports from TMZ, Bloomberg, and BuzzFeed, Perry expressed immediate anger that her music was being used to celebrate warfare.

Intellectual Property as a War Tool

Perry railed against the administration for utilizing her intellectual property to frame military strikes as a celebration, Yahoo News Canada reports. Mediaite noted the singer’s reaction was one of immediate outrage, explicitly slamming the decision to pair her art with images of conflict.

It was a clash of intent. Perry’s objections center on the juxtaposition of a song written for empowerment and personal strength against the backdrop of the war in Iran, according to Bloomberg.

An Unauthorized Soundtrack

The administration did not seek permission. According to Yahoo News Canada, the use of the song was not authorized by Perry or her representatives.

TMZ reported that the artist “erupted” on the administration. It was a sharp, public rejection of the government’s creative choices. BuzzFeed noted that Perry called out the White House directly, grieving the transformation of her music into a tool for celebrating warfare.

Empowerment Versus Military Force

Released in 2010, “Firework” became one of Perry’s most successful global hits, defined by themes of inner strength and individuality. By placing the track over military footage, the government created a direct conflict between the song’s message and the presentation of force.

This is not the first time Perry and the Trump administration have clashed. By publicly slamming the video, Perry is asserting control over how her work aligns with political and military agendas.

The incident mirrors a broader pattern. The administration’s habit of using popular music in government communications has sparked similar disputes with other artists who refuse to let their work endorse specific military actions or political policies.