Katy Perry Slams White House for “Weaponized” Use of “Firework” in Iran War Video: “I Absolutely Do Not Condone It”

Katy Perry Slams White House for “Weaponized” Use of “Firework” in Iran War Video: “I Absolutely Do Not Condone It”

By Paul V. Young – TheNATIONWEEK.com | July 27, 2026

BRISBANE, Australia – Global music icon Katy Perry has issued a scathing rebuke to the White House, condemning the unauthorized and “deeply appalling” use of her anthem “Firework” in a TikTok video depicting U.S. military strikes on Iranian targets. The artist unequivocally stated, “I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it.”

The viral White House video, which amassed over 6 million views under the caption “Iran has been warned,” juxtaposed Perry’s motivational song with footage of missiles impacting an Iranian naval vessel. Perry, renowned for crafting songs of empowerment and unity, expressed profound outrage at this appropriation.

“I wrote this song to be an anthem of hope, healing, and inner strength for people going through their darkest personal moments,” Perry articulated in a statement released Saturday. “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.”

This incident marks another flashpoint in a recurring pattern where the Trump administration has faced strong criticism from artists for the unauthorized use of their music in government social media posts. Several prominent female pop singers, including Olivia Rodrigo, Beyoncé, Kesha, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, and Jess Glynne, have previously voiced their objections to similar unauthorized deployments of their tracks for political or military promotional content. These artists have consistently decried the use of their work to advance agendas they view as “inhumane,” “barbaric,” or promoting “division and hate.”

The White House’s TikTok foray began in August 2025, amidst then-President Donald Trump’s threats to ban the platform. This latest controversy involving “Firework” comes as the U.S.-Iran conflict continues to spark debate, particularly concerning the official casualty figures.

The Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) currently lists 14 U.S. service members deceased and 420 wounded, a sudden revision from earlier figures. This statistical shift has ignited controversy, with analysts and officials questioning the methodology behind counting casualties, especially following the collapse of a ceasefire and the resumption of near-daily airstrikes since July 6.

The Trump administration’s attempt to categorize these resumed strikes as a separate campaign from “Operation Epic Fury,” the established name for the Iran conflict, has been met with fierce criticism. U.S. House member Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) lambasted this approach as an “absurd ruse,” alleging that by exceeding 90 days without congressional authorization, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is “BREAKING THE LAW and must be held accountable.”

The ongoing dispute over musical rights and the transparency of conflict data underscores a deepening divide between public figures, the administration, and the critical need for accountability in governmental actions and communications.

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