Katy Perry slams White House for using 'Firework' in missile strike video

Pop star Katy Perry has voiced strong disapproval after the White House used her 2010 hit song "Firework" in a video that appeared to depict a U.S. military missile strike. The clip, posted on a White House TikTok account, featured images of missiles hitting a coastal area during the song's iconic chorus.

Perry took to her X account, formerly Twitter, to express her dismay. "I did not approve this, nor was I asked, and I do not approve of this whatsoever," she wrote. The singer stated that "Firework" was intended to convey a message of hope, healing, and inner strength for individuals facing difficult times.

"To see a message of self-love and elevation transformed into a soundtrack for destruction and violence is a total violation of everything that my song represents," Perry declared. She believes music should unite people, not glorify war. The White House video accompanying the song included the caption, "Has Iran been warned?"

This is not the first time the Trump administration has faced criticism for using popular music without artists' permission. Earlier this year, Kesha publicly questioned the government's use of her song "Blow" in a video featuring combat aircraft and military operations. In 2025, Sabrina Carpenter also objected to her song "Juno" being featured in a video related to ICE arrests of immigrants.

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Yo no aprobé esto, no me lo pidieron y no lo apruebo en absoluto