Katy Perry Slams White House for Using ‘Firework’ in Iran Strike TikTok

Katy Perry erupted on social media Saturday after the White House’s official TikTok account posted a short video that paired her 2010 hit “Firework” with grainy footage of U.S. strikes on Iran. The pop star wrote on X that she was “deeply appalled and angry” to see her song used as a backing track without her consent.

“I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it,” Perry wrote. “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 weaponized to soundtrack destruction and violence is a complete violation of everything my song stands for.”

The TikTok clip, posted Thursday, shows aerial bombings and is captioned simply, “Iran has been warned,” followed by a fireworks emoji. The White House’s social‑media team has a history of slapping popular songs onto its viral videos, a practice that has repeatedly irritated musicians. Earlier this year Olivia Rodrigo publicly expressed outrage when her track “All‑American Bitch” was used in an ICE‑related video.

Perry, who has been outspoken on a range of political issues—from criticizing ICE policies to supporting various Democratic candidates—has kept a relatively low profile lately. The controversy comes amid ongoing legal scrutiny in Australia over alleged sexual assault claims made by actress Ruby Rose.

While the White House has not yet responded to Perry’s statements, the incident adds to a growing list of musicians pushing back against the administration’s habit of appropriating pop culture for political messaging, arguing that their art should not be repurposed to glorify warfare.