White House criticized for using popular songs in TikTok videos on deportations and military strikes

The White House posted an eight‑second TikTok video that paired the Mexican norteña hit “La Chona” with a message saying deportations will continue. The clip showed Mexican cultural symbols and cited official figures that Mexicans make up about 22 % of the unauthorized migrant population in the United States. The use of the song sparked debate on social media and criticism from artists who said their work should not be linked to immigration enforcement.

In a separate TikTok post, the administration used Katy Perry’s “Firework” as the soundtrack for footage of U.S. military strikes, accompanied by a warning to Iran. Perry responded on X, stating she was “deeply appalled and angry” that the song, which she wrote as an anthem of hope, was used to accompany images of violence. Both videos generated public backlash over the White House’s use of copyrighted music to promote policy messages.