Actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller has publicly urged the White House to remove a segment featuring his 2008 movie Tropic Thunder from a recently circulated social media video. The clip was included in a montage released by the White House on Thursday that showed actual U.S. military strikes on Iran alongside footage from various films, television shows, and video games.
The controversial video contains a short moment where Tom Cruise’s character from Tropic Thunder is seen dancing, which prompted Stiller’s strong objection. Known for his Democratic views and criticism of President Donald Trump’s policies, Stiller condemned the use of the clip without permission.
Stiller’s Firm Statement Against White House Use
Stiller took to the social media platform X on Friday to demand the immediate removal of the video segment. He stated,
“Hey White House, please remove the Tropic Thunder clip. We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine. War is not a movie,”
directly addressing the administration.
As of Friday afternoon, the White House had not responded to this demand, and the montage remained posted on its official X and YouTube channels.
Broader Backlash Amid Middle East Tensions
The clip’s usage sparked criticism not only from Stiller but also from other notable detractors of the Trump administration, who labeled the entire video as propaganda amidst escalating conflict in the Middle East. This incident adds to a growing list of celebrities displeased with the administration’s use of their work without authorization.
Among those who have expressed concern or condemnation over similar unauthorized uses of music or footage are artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Semisonic, Kenny Loggins, and Heart.
Public Reaction to White House Media Choices
The release of the montage and its inclusion of dramatic entertainment clips has tindered significant public debate and unrest. Critics argue it trivializes serious military actions by juxtaposing them with fictional, stylized media. Meanwhile, defenders of the administration’s approach frame it as a modern way to communicate national strength and resolve during a geopolitical crisis.
Ben Stiller Tropic Thunder’s involvement in this controversy highlights the challenges of intellectual property use in political messaging, especially amid sensitive circumstances like international conflicts.
Hey White House, please remove the Tropic Thunder clip. We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine. War is not a movie. https://t.co/dMQqRxxVCa
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) March 6, 2026
JUSTICE THE AMERICAN WAY. 🇺🇸🔥 pic.twitter.com/0502N6a3rL
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 6, 2026
