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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE]

2 clusters · 149 sources · 1 days · First seen 2 days ago · Last updated 1 day ago

Categories: POLITICS

White House TikTok music controversies continue

Entities: TikTok · White House · Firework · Katy Perry · Iran

Overview

In late July 2026 the White House sparked a wave of artist backlash by posting short TikTok clips that paired popular songs with policy‑related messages. An eight‑second video paired the Mexican norteña hit “La Chona” with a warning that deportations would continue, prompting criticism from Mexican musicians. The following day the administration posted footage of U.S. strikes on Iran set to Katy Perry’s 2010 single “Firework.” Perry condemned the unauthorized use on X, calling herself “deeply appalled and angry” and stressing that the song’s hopeful message should not be linked to warfare. The video’s caption read “Iran has been warned” with a fireworks emoji and remained online despite her objection.

Perry’s reaction adds to a growing chorus of musicians—including Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo—who have protested the White House’s practice of repurposing popular tracks for political messaging. The incidents occur amid heightened U.S.–Iran tensions and broader debates over the appropriateness of using copyrighted music in government communications.

The White House has so far not removed any of the disputed TikTok posts, fueling continued criticism from the artists and their fans.

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 18 SOURCES] The White House posted a TikTok video on July 23, 2026 featuring footage of U.S. strikes on Iran set to Katy Perry’s song “Firework”. (All listed articles)
[● 18 SOURCES] The video’s caption read “Iran has been warned” and showed a fireworks emoji. (All listed articles)
[● 18 SOURCES] Katy Perry posted on X on July 25, 2026 stating she was “deeply appalled and angry” about the video. (All listed articles)
[● 18 SOURCES] Perry said she had not given permission for the use of “Firework”. (All listed articles)
[● 18 SOURCES] Perry described “Firework” as an anthem of hope, healing and inner strength. (All listed articles)
[● 18 SOURCES] The White House has not taken down the TikTok video despite Perry’s criticism. (All listed articles)
[● 18 SOURCES] Other artists such as Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo have previously objected to the Trump administration’s use of their music. (All listed articles)
[● 18 SOURCES] The song “Firework” was released in 2010 and reached worldwide commercial success. (All listed articles)
[● 15 SOURCES] The White House posted a TikTok video using Katy Perry’s song “Firework” as background for footage of U.S. military strikes on Iran. (All listed articles)
[● 15 SOURCES] The video caption read “Iran has been warned” with a fireworks emoji. (All listed articles)
[● 15 SOURCES] The video was posted on Thursday, July 23, 2026. (All listed articles)
[● 15 SOURCES] Katy Perry posted on X on July 25, 2026 stating she was deeply appalled and angry and had not authorized the use of her song. (All listed articles)

Timeline

1 day ago

[POLITICS] 147 sources
Katy Perry condemns White House use of 'Firework' in Iran strike video
The White House used Katy Perry’s “Firework” in a TikTok video of U.S. strikes on Iran; Perry denounced the unauthorized use, calling the song an anthem of hope, not war, and the video remains up.
2 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
White House criticized for using popular songs in TikTok videos on deportations and military strikes
The White House faced backlash after TikTok videos paired a deportation announcement with “La Chona” and a military strike warning with Katy Perry’s “Firework,” prompting criticism from artists and the public.

Sources

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This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history