Katy Perry ‘appalled’ after White House uses ‘Fireworks’ for military ad
Katy Perry Appalled After White House Uses 'Fireworks' in Military Video
Cybersecarmor.com – Pop superstar Katy Perry has publicly criticized the White House for using her iconic 2010 hit "Fireworks" in a video documenting U.S. military operations in Iran. The controversy erupted after the White House's official TikTok account shared footage of military strikes set to Perry's uplifting anthem, prompting an immediate response from the singer herself.
The White House's social media team posted the video on July 23, featuring the song's memorable "boom boom boom" lyrics layered over dramatic visuals of military strikes. The accompanying caption read "Iran has been warned," creating an unexpected juxtaposition between Perry's message of hope and the serious geopolitical situation unfolding.
Perry's Strong Reaction on Social Media
On July 25, Katy Perry appalled after White House's decision took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her feelings about the unauthorized use of her music. She wrote that she was "deeply appalled and angry," emphasizing that she "did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it." Her statement clarified that the White House had neither sought permission nor informed her of their plans.
The singer elaborated on her emotional response, explaining that "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." She concluded by stating, "My music is for bringing people together, not celebrating warfare."
USA TODAY has contacted the White House for an official response to Perry's concerns. Meanwhile, Kaelan Dorr, Deputy Assistant to President Trump, quickly addressed the situation by sharing a clip from Perry's 2012 music video for "Part of Me," which features the singer in U.S. military boot camp attire. "This you?" Dorr wrote in his response.
Broader Context of Military Operations
The timing of Perry's reaction coincides with ongoing U.S. military activity in the region. The U.S. military launched another round of strikes against Iran on July 23, with U.S. Central Command confirming on X that these operations marked the "13th consecutive night of strikes aimed to hold Iran accountable and diminish threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to commercial shipping."
President Donald Trump has remained steadfast in defending his administration's military campaign despite congressional pushback. The House recently voted 214-208 to end the war, while the Senate sided with the president in a narrower 49-47 vote. Speaking at an Environmental Protection Agency event in Washington, D.C., Trump stated, "We want to get it over with, and we want to do it right, but we have to … do what we came to do. We can't let them have what they want, which is nuclear weapons."
A Growing Trend of Artist Pushback
Perry is not alone in challenging the White House's music usage. Ariana Grande previously commented under a June 9 TikTok video featuring her 2024 song "Bye," which showed federal agents arresting individuals. "Please do not ever use my music in relation to this barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense," Grande wrote. The audio and her comment were subsequently removed from the post.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded to Grande's criticism on June 12, stating: "We'll say this one last time: what's actually barbaric, inhumane, and heinous are the criminal illegal aliens who have injured and murdered innocent American citizens."
Other prominent artists have also voiced their displeasure. Kesha, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter have all publicly criticized the White House for using their songs in various videos without permission. Additionally, Nancy Sinatra responded on X on April 19 after Trump posted a video of her late father Frank Sinatra singing "My Way" on Truth Social, calling the action "a sacrilege."
FAQ: Katy Perry Appalled After White House
Why was Katy Perry upset about the White House video?
Katy Perry was upset because the White House used her song "Fireworks" without permission to accompany footage of military strikes in Iran. She felt the song's message of hope and healing was being "weaponized" to soundtrack violence and destruction, which contradicted the song's original purpose.
Did the White House ask Katy Perry before using her song?
No, according to Perry's statement on X, she was not asked for permission and did not approve the use of "Fireworks" in the White House video. She explicitly stated, "I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it."
What is the White House's response to Katy Perry's criticism?
Kaelan Dorr, Deputy Assistant to President Trump, responded by sharing a clip from Perry's 2012 music video for "Part of Me," which shows her in military boot camp attire. He asked, "This you?" suggesting that Perry has previously been associated with military imagery.
Are other artists also complaining about the White House using their music?
Yes, several artists have publicly criticized the White House. Ariana Grande, Kesha, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, and Nancy Sinatra have all spoken out about unauthorized use of their songs in White House social media videos and posts.
What is the current status of U.S. military operations in Iran?
As of July 23, the U.S. military had conducted 13 consecutive nights of strikes against Iran. These operations aim to hold Iran accountable and reduce threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to commercial shipping. President Trump continues to defend the campaign despite congressional votes to end the war.