Summary: Kenny Loggins has publicly condemned the unauthorized use of his iconic song “Danger Zone” in an AI-generated video posted by former President Trump. The video, which depicts Trump dropping a sludgy brown substance on protesters during the recent “No Kings” demonstrations, has sparked backlash from Loggins and other artists who oppose the use of their work in politically divisive content.
Kenny Loggins Speaks Out Against Unauthorized Use of ‘Danger Zone’
Recently, former President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video on Truth Social showing him flying over the nationwide “No Kings” protests and dropping what appears to be a sludgy brown substance onto the demonstrators. The video features Kenny Loggins’ classic track “Danger Zone,” famously known from the movie Top Gun. Upon learning about the video, Loggins expressed his strong disapproval.
In an interview with NPR, Loggins stated, “This is an unauthorized use of my performance of ‘Danger Zone.’ Nobody asked me for my permission, which I would have denied, and I request that my recording on this video is removed immediately.”
He further emphasized the importance of unity, saying, “I can’t imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us. Too many people are trying to tear us apart, and we need to find new ways to come together. We’re all Americans, and we’re all patriotic. 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 Controversial AI-Generated Video
The video was shared amid widespread peaceful protests against Trump’s policies. Media outlets have described the substance Trump appears to be dropping in various ways: NPR called it “sludgy brown material,” The Guardian referred to it as “sludge,” while 404 Media bluntly described it as “poop,” “shit,” and “diarrhea.” Politico also labeled it a “poop-bombing” video. Regardless of the terminology, the imagery has been widely regarded as offensive, and Loggins has made it clear he wants no association with it.
Artists Push Back Against Unauthorized Use of Their Work
This incident is part of a broader pattern where artists and celebrities have objected to the unauthorized use of their work by the Trump administration. For example, just last month, comedian Theo Von requested that the Department of Homeland Security remove a clip of him from a pro-deportation video posted online. Similarly, musicians such as ABBA, The Rolling Stones, and The Village People have all asked Trump to stop using their music in political contexts.
Responses from Kenny Loggins and the White House
As of now, Kenny Loggins has not responded to further requests for comment. The White House replied to inquiries with a screenshot from Top Gun featuring meme text that reads, “I FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED,” a nod to the movie’s famous line.