Katy Perry slammed the White House after administration officials used her 2010 hit single “Firework” in a social media video featuring military missile strikes. According to the artist, the unauthorized use weaponizes an anthem of hope to soundtrack destruction and violence, marking the latest clash between pop stars and government social media channels.
Katy Perry Responds to Unauthorized Song Usage on TikTok
Pop singer Katy Perry expressed deep anger after discovering her track accompanied a compilation video of military strikes shared by the government. According to a public statement posted to social media on July 25, 2026, the artist stated she was deeply appalled and angry to see the song utilized in that context.
“I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it,” Perry stated on social media. She described the track as an anthem of hope, healing, and inner strength meant for people navigating dark personal moments.
The unauthorized video, shared on TikTok earlier in the week, featured multiple clips of the military attacking an unverified location and creating a fiery blaze without providing context. Perry noted that weaponizing a message of self-worth to soundtrack warfare violates everything the song represents, emphasizing that her music brings people together rather than celebrating combat.
Previous White House Social Media Controversies Involving Pop Artists
This incident follows a series of similar disputes between pop musicians and the administration over government social media content. Earlier in the year, singer Kesha criticized the government for using her song “Blow” in a TikTok video that displayed fighter jets and military strike footage alongside the caption “Lethality.” According to reports, Kesha called that video disgusting and inhumane, confirming she never approved it.
Similarly, singer Sabrina Carpenter condemned a government video from December 2025 that highlighted arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). That video utilized Carpenter’s song “Juno,” prompting the artist to label the usage as evil and disgusting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Katy Perry criticize the White House?
Katy Perry condemned the administration for using her song “Firework” as background music for a TikTok video showing military missile strikes and destruction.
Did Katy Perry approve the use of her song?
No. According to her public statements, she was neither asked nor did she grant approval for the track’s inclusion in the military video.
Have other artists objected to government social media videos?
Yes. Both Kesha and Sabrina Carpenter previously spoke out against the administration for using their respective songs in videos highlighting military lethality and ICE arrests.
Has the administration responded to the backlash?
Requests for comment sent to the White House have not yet received a response.
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