Katy Perry: Singer criticises White House over use of ‘Firework’ in Iran strike video

Katy Perry has criticised the White House for using her hit song Firework in a social media video showing US military strikes on Iran. She said officials used the song without her permission and against its intended message.

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The White House’s official TikTok account posted the video on July 23. It paired footage of military strikes with the song’s “boom boom boom” lyrics and the caption: “Iran has been warned.”

However, Perry strongly objected to the post. Writing on X on July 25, she said she was “deeply appalled and angry.”

She also said the White House never sought her approval.

“I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it,” Perry wrote.

Singer says song promotes hope, not war

Perry explained that she wrote Firework to inspire hope, healing and inner strength during difficult times.

Therefore, she said using it alongside scenes of military action completely contradicted its purpose.

“My music is for bringing people together, not celebrating warfare,” she added.

White House yet to issue official response

Meanwhile, USA TODAY said it had contacted the White House for comment.

Instead, Kaelan Dorr, Deputy Assistant to President Donald Trump, responded on X by sharing a clip from Perry’s 2012 music video Part of Me. The video shows Perry portraying a US military recruit.

He accompanied the clip with the caption: “This you?”

So far, the White House has not issued an official statement addressing Perry’s criticism.