Katy Perry vs White House

Perry says the White House used her song without consent in a military clip.

Katy Perry blasts White House for using ‘Firework’ in Iran strike clip

Katy Perry Freaks Out After White House Uses 'Firework' in Iran Strikes Video: 'I Am Deeply Appalled'

Pop Star Slams Trump Over ‘Complete Violation’ of Her Song

Summary

A neutral summary of the key facts most outlets agree on, drawn from reporting across the political spectrum.

Katy Perry objected on X to the White House’s use of her 2010 hit “Firework” in an official TikTok video showing U.S. military strikes in Iran. The video, posted July 23, paired footage of explosions with the song’s “boom, boom, boom” lyric and the caption “Iran has been warned.” Perry said she did not approve the use, was not asked, and does not condone it. She said the song was written as an anthem of hope, healing and inner strength, not for military imagery.

The Coverage

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What the analysis & opinion pieces argue

Unauthorized Firework Use

The White House used Katy Perry’s “Firework” in a video promoting military strikes on Iran without her permission. Perry condemned the use as improper and objected to her song being tied to military-strike messaging.