What Happened
On Saturday, July 25, 2026, pop singer Katy Perry posted on X (formerly Twitter) condemning the White House for using her 2010 song “Firework” as background music in a TikTok video that shows missile strikes on Iranian targets.
The video was uploaded to the Official White House TikTok account on Thursday, July 23, 2026, and includes footage of a naval ship exploding in Iran, accompanied by the caption “Iran has been warned” and a fireworks emoji.
Perry said she is “deeply appalled and angry” that the track was used without her approval, stating she did not authorize the use and does not condone associating her song with warfare.
The Hill and TMZ published similar reports, noting the video has drawn attention despite the White House not providing further comment.
Perry added that she wrote “Firework” to be an anthem of hope, healing, and inner strength for people facing personal hardship, and that using it to soundtrack destruction contradicts its intended message.
What the Evidence Establishes
Perry’s exact words, as quoted by Breitbart, were: “I am deeply appalled and angry to see ‘Firework’ used on the @WhiteHouse TikTok account as a backing track for video footage of military strikes.”
She further stated: “I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it.”
Perry described the song’s purpose: “I wrote this song to be an anthem of hope, healing, and inner strength for people going through their darkest personal moments.”
The White House TikTok page posted an unclassified clip that includes bombings and is captioned “Iran has been warned,” with a fireworks emoji, according to all three sources.
The Hill noted that the video shows a missile blowing up a naval ship in Iran and has garnered significant viewership, though it did not specify a number.
TMZ reiterated Perry’s statement and highlighted that this is not the first time the Trump administration has faced pushback for pairing pop songs with military footage, citing prior complaints from Kesha, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo.
Where the Accounts Conflict
All three outlets agree on the core facts: the White House TikTok video, Perry’s objection, the song’s identity, and the lack of prior authorization.
However, Breitbart includes additional context about Perry’s recent activities that the other two sources omit.
Breitbart mentions that in January Perry posted anti-ICE propaganda urging followers to “turn anger into action” after the shooting death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, and that she has kept a low political profile since, aside from controversy in April when Australian police reportedly launched an investigation into her over sexual assault allegations made by Ruby Rose.
The Hill and TMZ do not reference the anti-ICE post, the Minneapolis shooting, or the Australian investigation, focusing solely on the TikTok dispute and Perry’s artistic explanation.
TMZ does repeat Perry’s statement and adds background on earlier artist complaints involving Kesha’s song “Blow” and Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Juno,” which Breitbart does not mention.
Context and Stakes
The incident reflects a broader pattern in which the federal government incorporates popular music into official social media videos to increase engagement, a practice that has repeatedly drawn criticism from artists who view it as unauthorized exploitation of their work.
Previous examples cited in the sources include the White House using Olivia Rodrigo’s “All-American Bitch” in an ICE video, Kesha’s “Blow” in a fighter‑jet montage, and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Juno” in an ICE arrest clip, each prompting public rebukes from the respective musicians.
From a legal standpoint, the use of a copyrighted recording in a government‑produced video without a license could constitute infringement, although the government may assert fair use or claim the material is in the public domain; no legal action has been reported in the cited cases.
The stakes involve potential reputational harm to the White House for appearing dismissive of artists’ rights, possible financial liability if claims are pursued, and the broader debate over how federal agencies source soundtracks for political messaging.
For Perry, the episode reinforces her public image as an advocate for artistic integrity and may influence future licensing decisions regarding her catalog.
What to Watch Next
Observers should monitor whether the White House issues any public response to Perry’s complaint, such as a statement defending the video’s use or a decision to remove or edit the TikTok post.
Based on past incidents where Kesha, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo objected, the administration has not retracted the videos nor issued apologies, suggesting a similar outcome in this case.
Perry’s representatives may consider sending a formal cease‑and‑desist letter or filing a DMCA takedown notice, a step that has been taken by other artists in similar circumstances.
Congressional committees overseeing intellectual property or government operations could hold hearings on the use of copyrighted music in official social media, especially if multiple artists continue to raise objections.
Future White House TikTok posts will be watched for whether they continue to pair popular songs with military or enforcement footage, and whether any licensing agreements are announced beforehand.
Bottom Line
Katy Perry’s public denunciation highlights an ongoing tension between the executive branch’s social‑media strategy and the rights of copyright holders, with the White House repeatedly using popular tracks without apparent authorization.
The evidence shows that Perry did not approve the use of “Firework,” that the video was posted on July 23, 2026, and that the song was intended as a message of hope rather than a soundtrack to violence.
While no legal action has been reported in prior similar cases, the pattern of artist pushback suggests the issue may persist unless the government changes its sourcing practices or faces formal legal challenges.
The incident does not appear to have immediate market or financial repercussions, but it contributes to the broader conversation about intellectual property respect in political communications.
DECLASSIFIED SOURCE: Breitbart - US News (via Real-time Signal Upgrade)
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