Ben Stiller has criticized the White House for using a clip from his 2008 comedy Tropic Thunder in a social media video, saying the footage was used without permission.
The actor and filmmaker responded after the White House’s official account posted a montage on March 5 featuring scenes from several movies and television shows mixed with footage of missile strikes. The post carried the caption “JUSTICE THE AMERICAN WAY” along with American flag and fire emojis.
The video included a brief scene from Tropic Thunder showing Tom Cruise’s character Les Grossman dancing. Stiller directed, co wrote, co produced and starred in the film.
In a post on X on March 6, Stiller asked that the clip be removed and said the production had not authorized its 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,” Stiller wrote.
The montage also included scenes from other films and television shows, including Iron Man, Gladiator, Braveheart, Top Gun, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Superman starring Christopher Reeve, Transformers and Deadpool.
Stiller’s response comes as several artists and public figures have recently objected to the use of their work in political messaging without permission.
According to reports, musicians and performers including Kesha, Kenny Loggins and Sabrina Carpenter have also criticized the use of their content in political contexts tied to government messaging.
