Katy Perry Erupts on Trump Admin for Using ‘Firework’ in Military Video

Katy Perry erupted on the Trump administration Saturday after the White House used her 2010 hit “Firework” in a TikTok video showing U.S. missile strikes, calling the unauthorized use “a complete violation of everything my song stands for.” 

The video, posted July 24 with the caption “Iran has been warned,” shows footage of attacks on what appears to be Iranian military targets and times the song’s “boom, boom, boom” lyrics to explosion clips.  Perry responded on X: “I am deeply appalled and angry to see ‘Firework’ used … I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it.” 

She explained the song’s meaning as “an anthem of hope, healing, and inner strength for people going through their darkest personal moments,” adding: “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.” 

Perry joins a growing list of artists who have condemned the White House for using their music without consent. Earlier this year, Kesha slammed the administration for using “Blow” in a military video, calling it “disgusting and inhumane.” Sabrina Carpenter also blasted a White House ICE video set to her song “Juno” as “evil and disgusting.”  The White House has not responded to Perry’s comments.