Katy Perry has publicly spoken out against the use of her song “Firework” in a video published by the White House’s TikTok account. The singer says the material was used without her approval and that linking the song to war footage overturns the meaning she intended to give the hit.
A direct reaction to the U.S. administration
In a post on X, the artist said she was “deeply shocked and angered” by the use of the song in a video featuring footage of U.S. military operations.
She wrote that she did not approve the use of the song, that no permission was requested, and that she does not tolerate such an action. Her reaction puts her at odds with the U.S. administration in a debate that touches not only on rights over the work, but also on how power uses cultural symbols for political or military messages.
‘Firework,’ from an anthem of hope to a backdrop for violence
Perry recalled that “Firework,” released in 2010, was written as a song about hope, healing, and inner strength, especially for people going through difficult periods.
According to her, using a message of self-worth and encouragement as a backdrop for destruction and violence runs completely against what the song represents. At the end of her reaction, she underlined that her music was created to unite people, not to celebrate war.
What the TikTok video showed
According to TMZ, the video published by the White House’s TikTok account contained footage of U.S. military operations.
It reportedly showed, among other things, an attack on an unidentified facility and the explosions that followed. According to that version as well, the video did not provide context for the event, making the use of a song with an entirely different emotional charge even more controversial.
A controversy that goes beyond music
The case once again raises questions about the use of artistic content by major political institutions without the consent of its creators, especially when it is tied to military operations or messages of القوة.
In this clash, the core of Perry’s objection does not appear to lie simply in formal authorization, but in the way a song built around the idea of hope can be repackaged for a completely opposite narrative.
So far, there has been no quoted response from the White House regarding the artist’s objection.
The controversy remains open between the singer’s claim of unauthorized use and the way a public institution chooses to communicate sensitive footage through pop culture.