White House Criticized for Using 'Tropic Thunder' Clip in 'Propaganda' Video

Actor Ben Stiller demands the clip be removed, saying the film's creators never gave permission to be part of the administration's 'propaganda machine'.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller has criticized the White House after a clip from his 2008 satirical action-comedy 'Tropic Thunder' was used in a pro-military montage video shared online. Stiller demanded the clip be removed, stating that neither he nor the film's creators had authorized its use, and that 'war is not a movie'.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights concerns about the White House's use of entertainment media for perceived political purposes, as well as the potential for unauthorized use of copyrighted material in government propaganda videos.

The details

The 42-second video posted by the White House combines drone footage of recent military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran with scenes from popular films, television shows and video games. The montage concludes with branding associated with the administration of US President Donald Trump alongside the caption 'JUSTICE THE AMERICAN WAY.' Among the entertainment clips featured in the video is a brief shot of actor Tom Cruise's flamboyant studio executive character, Less Grossman, dancing at the end of 'Tropic Thunder'.

  • The White House posted the video on March 7, 2026.

The players

Ben Stiller

An actor and filmmaker who directed the 2008 satirical action-comedy 'Tropic Thunder'.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States at the time the White House posted the video.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Ben Stiller (X)

What’s next

It is unclear if the White House will remove the 'Tropic Thunder' clip from the video as requested by Ben Stiller.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the entertainment industry and the government over the use of copyrighted material in political messaging and propaganda. It also raises questions about the appropriate boundaries for the White House's use of popular culture in its communications.