The White House’s use of Katy Perry’s song “Firework” as the soundtrack for a video featuring U.S. military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran has drawn a reaction from the renowned American singer and songwriter. Perry stated that the song was used without her knowledge or consent and that she does not support the decision.
Earlier this week, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump posted a video on the White House’s official TikTok account showing footage of U.S. military operations in Iran accompanied by the song “Firework.” The caption accompanying the video read: “Iran has been warned.”
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Katy Perry emphasized that she was not consulted and had not granted permission for the use of her work. She wrote: “I was deeply shocked and angered to see ‘Firework’ used as background music for a video of military strikes on the White House TikTok page. I have neither given permission for nor endorsed this action.”
The singer went on to explain that the original purpose behind writing “Firework” was to inspire hope, healing, and strength among people going through difficult times. She said that using the song alongside images of war and destruction was completely contrary to its intended message.
Perry further stressed that her music is created to promote empathy, unity, and hope among people not to accompany images of war or glorify violence.
The song “Firework” was first released in 2010 as part of Katy Perry’s third studio album, “Teenage Dream.” It became one of her most successful hits, reaching the top of the U.S. music charts.
The song had previously been associated with the White House, but in a very different context. In January 2021, during the inauguration ceremony of then-U.S. President Joe Biden, Katy Perry performed “Firework” in front of the Lincoln Memorial, accompanied by a large fireworks display over Washington, D.C.
Katy Perry is the latest artist to object to the Trump administration’s use of musical works in official government social media posts. In recent years, several singers and musicians have also protested the use of their songs in political or government content without their permission or in ways that conflict with their views.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
