Kenny Loggins has voiced his concerns over the unauthorized use of his celebrated song “Danger Zone” in a recent artificial intelligence-generated video that features former President Donald Trump. The video, shared on Trump’s Truth Social platform last weekend, portrays the former president in a controversial light, dumping waste from a fighter jet amid the backdrop of the “No Kings” protests. Loggins made it clear on his website that he had not permitted his music to be used in such a contentious context.
Loggins expressed his incredulity at the motives behind using his music for divisive purposes, stating, “I can’t imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us.” He stressed the importance of unity among Americans, urging people to come together instead of allowing divisive actions to further fragment the nation. This sentiment mirrors the concerns of many artists who object to the political misuse of their work without proper authorization.
Despite Loggins calling for the removal of the video, it remained available on Truth Social as of Tuesday morning. This incident highlights a growing trend, as numerous musicians, including prominent figures like Adele and Bruce Springsteen, have previously criticized Trump’s use of their songs at rallies and public events without consent.
Representatives for Loggins reiterated his views when approached for comments, emphasizing the need for artist approval regarding the use of their creations. Meanwhile, in a more lighthearted response, the White House shared a still from the film “Top Gun”, quoting, “I FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED,” a nod to one of the movie’s iconic lines.
Historically, Trump has integrated music into his political strategy, using tracks like Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper” in his social media engagements. During the recent “No Kings” rallies across the country, large groups assembled to voice their opposition to what they consider authoritarian policies stemming from Trump’s administration. In a dismissive reaction to the protests, Trump remarked, “I’m no king,” a reflection of his longstanding contentious dynamic with political dissent.
This incident underscores the ongoing interplay between music and politics, illustrating how artists are increasingly active in defending their rights against the exploitation of their works for political ends. It serves as a reminder of music’s potential to unify and inspire constructive dialogue during challenging societal times, highlighting the essential responsibility linked to artistic expression.