Singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins has publicly condemned the unauthorized use of his iconic song "Danger Zone" in a controversial AI-generated video shared by President Donald Trump. The artist is demanding the immediate removal of his music from the clip, which depicts an animated version of the president targeting protesters.
In a statement released Monday, October 20, Loggins expressed his strong opposition to his work being associated with content designed to cause division. The video in question was reportedly shared on October 18 amid nationwide protests.
Key Takeaways
- Kenny Loggins has stated the use of his 1986 hit "Danger Zone" was "unauthorized."
- The artist has formally requested the song be removed from the AI-generated video shared by Donald Trump.
- The video depicts an animated Trump flying a plane and dropping feces on protesters.
- Loggins joins a growing list of musicians who have objected to their music being used for political purposes by the Trump campaign.
Loggins Issues Public Statement
Kenny Loggins addressed the issue directly through his official Instagram account. He made it clear that no one from the president's campaign or the White House sought his approval before using the track, which is famously associated with the film Top Gun.
"Nobody asked me for my permission, which I would have denied," Loggins stated. He underscored his firm stance by formally requesting the song's removal from the video.
"I request that my recording on this video is removed immediately. I can’t imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us."
A Call for Unity
Beyond the legal and ethical objections, Loggins' message focused on a broader theme of national unity. He argued that music should be a tool for bringing people together, not for deepening societal fractures.
"Too many people are trying to tear us apart, and we need to find new ways to come together," his statement continued. He emphasized a shared American identity that transcends political lines.
"We’re all Americans, and we’re all patriotic," Loggins added. "There is no ‘us and them’ — that’s not who we are, nor is it what we should be. It’s all of us. We’re in this together, and it is my hope that we can embrace music as a way of celebrating and uniting each and every one of us."
The Video's Content
The AI-generated video at the center of the controversy reportedly appeared as a response to the ongoing "No Kings" protests against the president's policies. The animation shows a crowned Donald Trump piloting an aircraft and releasing piles of feces onto AI-generated crowds holding protest signs on the streets below. The use of AI-driven visuals has become a more frequent element of the president's social media strategy over the past year.
A Recurring Issue for Musicians
This incident is not an isolated one. It represents the latest chapter in a long-running conflict between Donald Trump's political activities and musicians who object to their work being used without consent. This pattern dates back to his first presidential campaign in 2016 and has continued throughout his time in office.
The use of popular music at rallies and in promotional materials often implies an endorsement from the artist, which many musicians have actively sought to disavow. This has led to numerous public statements, cease-and-desist letters, and social media condemnations over the years.
A Pattern of Objections: Just weeks before Loggins' statement, the band Blue Öyster Cult distanced themselves from the president after their song "(Don’t Fear) The Reaper" was used in another AI video mocking Democrats.
A Long List of Objectors
The list of artists who have spoken out against the unauthorized use of their music by the Trump campaign is extensive and spans multiple genres and generations. Some of the most prominent names include:
- Adele
- Beyoncé
- Celine Dion
- The Foo Fighters
- Jack White
These artists, among many others, have raised concerns about copyright infringement and the misrepresentation of their personal or brand values. The core of the issue often revolves around the intellectual property rights of the songwriter and performer versus the public performance licenses held by political venues.
The Intersection of AI, Politics, and Copyright
The recent use of AI-generated videos adds a new layer of complexity to this ongoing debate. While the core issue remains the unauthorized use of copyrighted music, the vehicle for its distribution—synthetically created media—raises new questions about digital ethics and the nature of political messaging.
These videos can be created and distributed rapidly, often going viral before an artist is even aware their work has been co-opted. This presents a significant challenge for artists and their legal teams seeking to protect their intellectual property and public image.
As AI technology becomes more accessible, the potential for unauthorized use of music, images, and likenesses in political content is expected to grow. This incident with Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone" highlights the evolving landscape where technology, art, and political speech collide, often leaving artists to publicly defend their work and its intended meaning.
As of this report, the White House has not issued a public comment on Loggins' statement or his request for the song's removal.