Pop star Katy Perry has become the latest musician to clash with US President Donald Trump, who used her hit song Firework in a White House video montage of military strikes. Perry said she was “deeply appalled and angry” that her 2010 song was used to soundtrack bombing footage under the title “Iran has been warned.”
“To see a message of self-worth and upliftment weaponised to soundtrack destruction and violence is a complete violation of everything my song stands for,” said the 41-year-old singer. “My music is for bringing people together, not celebrating warfare.”
Trump’s response and long history of feuds
Trump removed Perry’s song from the video but hit back by posting footage of her in military fatigues holding a weapon from an old music video, spliced with images of himself and fighter jets.
Perry joins a long list of musicians who have drawn Trump’s ire, including Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, and Beyoncé. Trump has often insulted stars who criticise him or his policies, calling Swift “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” after her endorsement of Kamala Harris, and branding Madonna “disgusting” and Springsteen “boring, stupid.”
Unauthorised song use draws complaints
Many artists have objected to Trump using their songs without permission. Ariana Grande called the use of her song Bye in a video of immigration arrests “barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense.” Sabrina Carpenter branded the use of Juno “evil and disgusting,” and Kesha called the White House “perverts” after Blow was used in a missile strike video.
Other artists who have protested include Adele, Radiohead, Neil Young, The Rolling Stones, Rihanna, Steven Tyler, ABBA, The Smiths, Celine Dion, and Phil Collins. Even estates of deceased musicians like Prince and George Harrison have objected. Isaac Hayes’s estate sued Trump for $3 million for copyright infringement in 2024, reaching an out-of-court settlement.
Political strategy behind attacks
Washington insiders believe Trump may be intentionally provoking musicians to attract publicity and appeal to his core supporters. White House communications director Steven Cheung said: “All these ‘singers’ keep falling for this. This just gives us more attention and more view counts to our videos because people want to see what they’re bitching about.”
