Ben Stiller’s 2008 film Tropic Thunder became a flashpoint for controversy even before its release, sparking debate over its portrayal of Hollywood, including Robert Downey Jr.’s character Kirk Lazarus, a white actor in blackface. Recently, the White House posted a video on social media featuring a scene of Tom Cruise’s character Les Grossman from Tropic Thunder, alongside clips from other blockbuster films. Stiller responded sharply, demanding the clip be removed, emphasizing that the filmmakers had not granted permission and rejecting any association with the administration’s messaging.
Context Behind the White House Video and Stiller’s Response
The controversial video shared by the White House aimed to rally support for its conflict with Iran, using various iconic film moments set to the Mortal Kombat theme. The clip ended with the phrase “Flawless victory” overlaying an image of the White House next to President Trump’s name. Stiller took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the use of Tropic Thunder’s footage:
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.
This response highlighted his rejection of the administration’s attempt to co-opt the film’s imagery for political ends, reminding that “War is not a movie.”
Broader Pattern of the Administration’s Media Misuse
This incident fits a larger pattern of the Trump administration misappropriating popular media, often twisting characters and themes for political messaging. For example, Trump previously praised Russ Vought, a Heritage Foundation donor, by comparing him to Darth Vader, a notorious villain. The White House has also frequently clashed with the entertainment industry, sometimes deploying content without the creators’ consent. Regulatory favoritism was evident when David Ellison cited a
clearer and faster path to regulatory approval
during the Justice Department’s review of his Warner Bros. acquisition, highlighting unequal treatment under Trump’s DOJ.
Tropic Thunder’s Legacy and Hurdles for a Possible Sequel
Interest in Tropic Thunder has resurfaced in recent years with talk of a sequel or at least a return for Les Grossman’s character. In a 2024 interview with Collider, Stiller acknowledged that even making the original film was risky at the time and predicted that producing a follow-up now would be even more challenging. He said,
In this environment, edgier comedy is just harder to do,
adding,
Definitely not at the scale we made it at.
Stiller also discussed Downey Jr.’s controversial role, stating,
The only reason we attempted [it] was I felt like the joke was very clear in terms of who that joke was on — actors trying to do anything to win awards.
The Irony of the White House’s Use of a Film About Fame and Ambition
Tropic Thunder centers on characters desperate for recognition in Hollywood, making it ironic that the administration known for self-promotion references it. This tone of irony was also explored vividly in recent South Park episodes. Although there is little expectation that the White House will retract or cease using such clips without consent, Stiller’s reaction draws attention to the ongoing issue of political entities exploiting entertainment without permission, raising questions about respect, rights, and the boundaries of media use.
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
