Ben Stiller has criticized the White House for using a clip from his 2008 film Tropic Thunder in a video promoting U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The actor requested its removal, stating that no permission was given. The video features footage from various films and TV shows alongside drone strikes.
On March 6, 2026, Ben Stiller took to X to address the White House's use of a clip from Tropic Thunder in a recent video. The supercut combines drone footage of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran with scenes from multiple action films, TV shows, and video games. Stiller wrote: “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.”
The White House video, captioned “JUSTICE THE AMERICAN WAY,” includes shots from Minority Report, Top Gun: Maverick, a dance scene featuring Les Grossman from Tropic Thunder, Star Wars, Breaking Bad, Gladiator, Braveheart, John Wick, Superman, Transformers, Deadpool, and Halo. It celebrates the recent bombings in Iran, following reports from Iranian state TV that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died in his office during the initial wave of attacks. Dozens of other Iranian leaders were also reported killed.
The Trump administration has described the strikes as necessary to destroy Iran’s nuclear capability, hobble its Navy, prevent nuclear weapon acquisition, and limit the regime's external influence. President Trump has projected a four-to-five-week war, vowing to do “whatever it takes.” This incident follows singer Kesha's criticism of the administration for using her song “Blow” in a separate February 10 TikTok post about military actions. The Motion Picture Association declined to comment on the clip usage.
Hollywood's response highlights concerns over unauthorized use of entertainment content in political messaging amid escalating tensions with Iran.
