Katy Perry slams White House for using her song ‘Fireworks’ in Iran strike TikTok
Pop star Katy Perry has criticised the White House after it used her hit song Firework in a TikTok video featuring footage of military strikes. The singer said she was never asked for permission and strongly objected to the way the track was used.
The White House uploaded the video on Thursday, pairing scenes of military strikes with Perry's 2010 anthem. The lyrics "boom, boom, boom" were synchronised with visuals of explosions. According to Variety, the post carried the caption, "Iran has been warned."
Perry responded to the video on X on Saturday, making it clear that she did not support the post or its message.
In a statement shared on the platform, she wrote: "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."
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…— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) July 25, 2026
The singer said the song was created to inspire people during difficult times and that seeing it linked to scenes of violence went against everything it was meant to represent.
Video shared amid tensions with Iran
The White House's TikTok post comes at a time when the Trump administration appears to be holding back from a wider military escalation with Iran while diplomatic talks continue.
Even so, US military forces remain on standby for possible further action. President Donald Trump has said Washington is "locked and loaded" but is "not in a hurry", adding that Tehran has shown a greater willingness to negotiate. Meanwhile, according to Variety, US Central Command has continued carrying out strikes on Iranian missile, maritime and nuclear-related targets.
Other artists have also objected to similar use of their music
Perry is not the first musician to publicly challenge the use of her music in political content.
In June, Ariana Grande criticised the White House after a TikTok video featuring a version of her 2024 song Bye showed ICE agents detaining and handcuffing people.
Several other artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Celine Dion, Neil Young and The Rolling Stones, have previously spoken out against Donald Trump using their music at political rallies or in campaign-related videos without their endorsement, according to Variety.
'The Lifetimes Tour' heads to cinemas
Away from the controversy, Perry has announced that her Lifetimes Tour will soon be coming to cinemas.
The singer revealed that The Lifetimes Tour Live From Paris, a concert film featuring one of her Paris performances, will be released in theatres. It will give fans who could not attend the tour an opportunity to experience the show on the big screen. Release dates and the list of participating countries will be announced at a later stage.
As per reports, the tour features a mix of Perry's biggest hits alongside songs from her latest musical era. Known for its colourful costumes, elaborate stage production and energetic performances, the setlist includes fan favourites such as Firework, Dark Horse and Roar.