Ben Stiller blasted the White House for its use of a clip from his satirical comedy, “Tropic Thunder,” in a video posted to promote President Trump’s war in Iran.
Ben Stiller attends the 16th Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom on November 16, 2025 in Hollywood, California. An image from the film, "Tropic Thunder" is pictured inset. In addition to 2008’s “Tropic Thunder,” the social media supercut also included a series of movies and television shows, including “Braveheart,” “Breaking Bad,” “Top Gun,” “Superman,” “Transformers,” “Iron Man 2,” and “Star Wars” as well as footage of what appears to be United States military operations.
It was shared on Thursday, in wake of the United States’ and Israel’s joint launch of strikes against Iran. Stiller, who starred in “Tropic Thunder” alongside Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr., took immediate issue with its inclusion in the montage. He also wrote and directed the flick. “We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine,” he continued. “War is not a movie.” Stiller has long been a vocal critic of Trump. He appeared in former Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign ads and made major donations to support her bid for president. The actor is also among a growing list of celebrities who have called out the White House over its use of their art without permission. Others include Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Neil Young, and Radiohead.Dear Abby: I don't know how this little gesture alienated me from my son and his wifeAsking Eric: My son dated her a few times, and that's when the trouble startedMiss Manners: A fellow diner wouldn't let me take the chair her purse was onLong after leaving Oakland, the A’s are still fighting a West Oakland metal shredder — alongside environmentalists
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