Rock Legend Accuses Trump of Illegally Using Iconic Track in Provocative AI Clip
Kenny Loggins has said he wants his popular song “Danger Zone” removed from a recent AI-generated film uploaded by former President Donald Trump on social media. The clip, posted during worldwide “No Kings” protests, shows Trump wearing a crown, operating a “KING TRUMP” jet, and dumping a brown liquid on protesters while the song plays. Loggins claims nobody asked for his consent, and he would have refused.
Loggins said “we’re all Americans, and we’re all patriotic.” His music should not be used to divide. He said the video using his tape “was created with the sole purpose of dividing us.”
The video came during the weekend’s “No Kings” protests, where millions of Americans opposed authoritarian symbols and hierarchical leadership. Trump’s upload coincided with these protests, raising worries about the clip’s content and usage of popular culture.
The former president has not apologized or explained music rights, but White House representatives reportedly responded with a mocking meme referencing “Danger Zone” to emphasize the tone rather than address Loggins’ copyright concerns.
This is not a unique instance. Loggins joins a growing number of artists who speak out against political use without consent. This pattern raises problems regarding intellectual property rights, artists’ control over music use, and politicians’ and campaigns’ responsibilities to respect creative ownership.
Unauthorized use of a performance in a political or promotional video may violate copyright and license laws. Loggins’ statement emphasises his desire to control his recording, even though legal details are yet unknown. As political messaging and social media campaigns use AI-generated material, this is important.
The artist wants the track removed from the video. The episode shows the public how music and media may be used for political purposes and how producers must defend their works. It also questions the ethics of using AI-generated graphics to depict actual people in provocative fiction.
In the next days, watchers will monitor whether the video is removed, legal action, and the nexus of politics, intellectual property, and viral social-media material evolve.
Sources
Entertainment Weekly, The Daily Beast, Axios, The National Desk, The Wrap, Kenny Loggins official site
