Katy Perry Erupts on Trump Administration for Using 'Firework' in Military Video - TMZ

What the report says

TMZ reported in a July 25, 2026 item that Katy Perry sharply criticized President Trump’s administration after her 2010 hit “Firework” was used in a government social media video depicting U.S. missile attacks. The available excerpt identifies Perry, the Trump administration and the song at the center of the dispute, but does not include the full post, the platform where it appeared, or Perry’s exact response.

According to TMZ’s snippet, the video paired Perry’s well-known pop anthem with imagery of military strikes, prompting the singer’s objection. The limited source text does not say whether the use was licensed, whether Perry or her representatives sent a formal cease-and-desist request, or whether the administration removed or altered the video.

The matter is notable because popular music is often used in political and government messaging, sometimes leading artists to object when they believe a song’s use implies endorsement or conflicts with the work’s intended meaning. “Firework,” released in 2010, is widely associated with themes of self-empowerment and celebration, which may heighten public scrutiny when used alongside military imagery.

Based on the available TMZ excerpt, the confirmed development is Perry’s public criticism of the administration’s use of the song in the military-themed social media video. Further details, including any legal claim, licensing status or official response from the White House, were not available in the supplied text.