Ben Stiller Calls Out White House Over Unauthorized Use of Movie Clip
Synopsis
Actor Ben Stiller criticizes the White House for using a clip from his film 'Tropic Thunder' without permission. He joins other celebrities in condemning the use of their content for political purposes, highlighting the troubling intersection of entertainment and propaganda.
Key Takeaways
Ben Stiller demands removal of his movie clip from White House content.
He emphasizes the lack of permission and the inappropriateness of the use.
Stiller joins other celebrities, including Kesha , who are protesting unauthorized content use.
The situation raises broader questions about the intersection of entertainment and politics .
The White House's response has sparked further discussion on this controversial issue.
Los Angeles, March 7 (NationPress) Actor Ben Stiller is calling out the official White House social media account for using a clip from his film, Tropic Thunder.
The 60-year-old actor expressed his concerns on X, previously known as Twitter, after a video posted by Trump's administration showcased a montage of various films and TV shows, including Top Gun, Superman, Transformers, Breaking Bad, Iron Man, and his 2008 comedy Tropic Thunder, alongside clips that appeared to depict U.S. military actions, as reported by People magazine.
The White House captioned the video, saying, "Justice the American way." Stiller replied, "Hey White House, please take down the Tropic Thunder clip. We never granted permission and want no affiliation with your propaganda efforts. War is not a film."
According to People, Stiller is among numerous celebrities who have voiced their discontent after the White House utilized their works on its social media platforms. Others include Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, Linkin Park, Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo, and Radiohead.
This week, Kesha also expressed her outrage following the White House's use of her song Blow in a TikTok video that depicted a jet launching a missile at a naval vessel, resulting in an explosion. She stated, "I've learned that the White House has used one of my tracks to incite violence and advocate for war. Making light of conflict is abhorrent and inhumane."
Kesha firmly stated that she does not approve of her music being exploited to promote violence.
In response, Steven Cheung, the White House Director of Communications, shared her remarks on X, adding, "These ‘singers’ keep falling for this. It simply increases our video views because people want to see what they're complaining about. Thank you for your attention to this issue."
Previously, the Trump Administration had released a video that spotlighted recent ICE arrests in December, which received significant backlash.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the growing tension between artistic expression and political endorsement. Many celebrities, including Ben Stiller, are asserting their rights against the unauthorized use of their content by the government, emphasizing the need for respect in the intersection of entertainment and politics.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ben Stiller criticize the White House?
Ben Stiller criticized the White House for using a clip from his movie 'Tropic Thunder' without permission, claiming it was inappropriate to associate his work with their political messaging.
What other celebrities have spoken out against the White House's actions?
Other celebrities like Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, Kesha, and Neil Young have also expressed their discontent over the unauthorized use of their content by the White House.
What was the White House's response to the criticism?
The White House's Director of Communications, Steven Cheung, responded by stating that the criticism from artists only increases view counts for their videos.
What is the broader issue at play in this controversy?
The controversy highlights the complex relationship between art and politics, raising questions about consent and the ethical use of creative works in political contexts.
Is this a common issue for celebrities?
Yes, many celebrities have faced similar issues where their works are used in political contexts without their consent, prompting discussions about rights and responsibilities.
