Katy Perry slams Trump administration over ‘Firework’ use in Iran war video

WASHINGTON: Pop star Katy Perry has sharply criticized the Trump administration after the White House used her hit song “Firework” in a social media video showing US military strikes on Iran, saying the use of her music was completely contrary to the message behind the song.

The White House’s official TikTok account shared a video on Thursday featuring footage related to US attacks on Iran. The clip used the familiar “boom, boom, boom” lyrics from Perry’s 2010 hit alongside images of military strikes.

The post carried a blunt warning directed at Iran, adding a strikingly confrontational tone to a song that Perry has long described as being about hope, confidence and personal strength.

Perry responded on social media on Saturday, making clear that she had not authorized the use of the song and did not support the way it had been presented.

“I’m deeply shocked and angry,” Perry said in her statement, objecting to the song’s appearance alongside images of destruction and military action.

She emphasized that no permission had been sought from her for the video and that she did not endorse its message.

For Perry, the controversy goes beyond the question of whether her music was used without authorization. She argued that the video fundamentally changed the meaning of a song intended to encourage people facing difficult moments.

“Firework,” released in 2010, became one of Perry’s biggest international hits. Its message centers on self-belief, resilience and finding inner strength during challenging periods. The song has also become closely associated with celebrations and inspirational moments.

That made its use in a military video particularly jarring for the singer.

Perry said her music was created to bring people together rather than celebrate war, arguing that pairing an uplifting song with images of destruction undermined its original purpose.

The dispute comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain extremely high, with military action and threats dominating international headlines.

The White House has not been reported as having received Perry’s approval for the video, while her comments have reignited a wider debate over the use of popular music in political and military messaging.

The incident also highlights the complicated relationship between artists and governments when copyrighted music is used in political communications. Musicians have repeatedly objected when their songs appear in campaigns or political videos without their consent.

For Perry, however, the central issue appears to be the message.

A song written to tell people to find their light in dark times was suddenly placed against scenes of war — a contrast she clearly believes turns its meaning upside down.