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White House uses Perry songs; singer decries unauthorized videos

7/30/2026

30 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The White House posted a video on July 23, 2026 pairing Katy Perry’s “Firework” with strike footage and caption “Iran has been warned.”
Katy Perry wrote on X on July 25, 2026 she had not approved the use and said the song is an anthem of hope, not warfare.
Deputy Assistant to the President Kaelan Dorr posted a TikTok on July 28, 2026 mixing Perry’s 2012 “Part of Me” with images of U.S. President Donald Trump.

History

Historical Context

During the 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Bush administration’s media campaign, including the “Axis of evil” rhetoric, foreshadowed later Pentagon spending of $540 million on Bell Pottinger propaganda (2016). This legacy of strategic entertainment and digital platform global political influence continues with the 2026 White House TikTok featuring Perry’s “Part of Me.”

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Story summary

The White House posted a video on July 23, 2026 pairing Katy Perry’s “Firework” with strike footage and caption “Iran has been warned.”
Katy Perry wrote on X on July 25, 2026 she had not approved the use and said the song is an anthem of hope, not warfare.
Deputy Assistant to the President Kaelan Dorr posted a TikTok on July 28, 2026 mixing Perry’s 2012 “Part of Me” with images of U.S. President Donald Trump.

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