‘Appalled And Angry’: Pop Star Katy Perry Slams White House Use of Hit Song

Jennifer Bowers BahneyJul 25th, 2026, 12:45 pm
 
Justin Trudeau/Katy Perry

(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Songstress Katy Perry is the latest musical artist to admonish the White House for using their music to promote the MAGA agenda.

Perry, who is dating former Canadian Prime Minister and Trump foe Justin Trudeau, wrote on social media Saturday:

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. I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it.

I wrote this song to be an anthem of hope, healing, and inner strength for people going through their darkest personal moments. To see a message of self-worth and upliftment weaponized to soundtrack destruction and violence is a complete violation of everything my song stands for.

My music is for bringing people together, not celebrating warfare.

“Firework” was a massive global hit and topped the US Billboard Hot 100 in December of 2010.

The TikTok post in question said, “Iran has been warned,” and featured the “Boom, boom, boom! Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon,” clip of Perry’s song over “unclassified” video of presumably U.S. bombs hitting Iranian targets.

@whitehouse

Iran has been warned. 🎆

♬ original sound – The White House

Perry made news earlier this month for featuring boyfriend Trudeau in a teaser video for her latest single, “Watch it Burn.”

Conservatives and MAGA adherents completely melted down on social media after Trudeau was spotted in Perry’s post.

“Ancient texts say that if you hop to this song you will get 1,000 years of good luck.”

Although the song’s actual video features dark themes, the teaser is light-hearted, and showcases Trudeau and background dancers hopping to the beat.

Trudeau resigned as PM and Liberal party leader in early 2025 after his public approval rating sank over the high cost of living, and other issues.

Trump took credit for the resignation at the time, writing on Truth Social:

Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned.

If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!

Perry’s post protesting the use of her song quickly reached 1.7 million views on X.

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