Katy Perry Condemns Use of Her Song by US President Trump Los Angeles: Singer-songwriter Katy Perry has publicly criticized US President Donald Trump for using her song “Firework” without her consent to accompany footage of US military strikes on Iran. Perry expressed deep frustration, stating she is “deeply appalled and angry” at the decision. She emphasized that her song, which was crafted to promote “self-worth and upliftment,” had been repurposed to soundtrack acts of destruction and violence. Perry described the use of her music as a “complete violation of everything my song stands for.” She highlighted that the track was intended as an anthem of hope, healing, and inner strength for individuals facing personal struggles. The singer’s remarks came after Trump’s administration incorporated the song into a video showcasing US airstrikes, a move she condemned as a misuse of her artistic expression. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the ethical implications of using music in political contexts. Perry’s criticism aligns with a growing trend of artists speaking out against the unauthorized use of their work for political messaging. Earlier this year, she performed “Firework” during the televised event marking Joe Biden’s inauguration at the Lincoln Memorial, a moment she described as a celebration of unity and renewal. Perry is not alone in her stance. Other celebrities, including Ariana Grande, have also voiced opposition to the Trump administration’s use of their music. Grande’s response, however, was deleted from social media, with her original comment reading, “Please do not ever use my music in relation to this barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense. F* ICE.” The reference to ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) suggests a broader critique of the administration’s policies.#donald_trump #ice #us_president #katy_perry #firework
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will be allowed to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, despite ongoing tensions between the country and the U.S. Infantino stated that he met with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the tournament’s preparations and received assurances that Iran would be permitted to travel to the U.S. for the event. The Iranian national team is scheduled to play its group matches against New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26. The tournament, set to run from June 11 to July 19, faces logistical challenges due to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, with FIFA’s chief operating officer, Heimo Schirgi, emphasizing that the event’s scale makes postponement impractical. Schirgi noted that FIFA continues to monitor the situation closely, stating, “We basically take it day by day and at some stage we will have a resolution. The World Cup will go on obviously.” Schirgi also highlighted that the tournament’s global significance means it will proceed regardless of regional instability. Infantino’s comments came after Trump reiterated his support for Iran’s participation, despite the U.S. previously imposing a travel ban on Iranian citizens under his administration. The FIFA president praised Trump’s stance, calling it a “welcome” gesture that aligns with the tournament’s goal of uniting people. Infantino, who has a close relationship with Trump, also mentioned that the two discussed the broader geopolitical context of the Iran conflict during their meeting. FIFA’s decision to allow Iran’s participation follows a precedent set by Indonesia, which was stripped of hosting the 2019 Men’s Under-20 World Cup after refusing to welcome Israel, a team that had qualified for the event.#donald_trump #gianni_infantino #fifa_president #us_president #iran_national_team
