Kenny Loggins Criticizes Donald Trump for Using “Danger Zone” in AI Video Campaign

October 20, 2025

Singer kenny Loggins has voiced strong opposition to the unauthorized incorporation of his signature song, “Danger Zone,” into an Artificial Intelligence-created video circulated by a prominent political figure on Saturday. The artist is requesting the immediate removal of his music from the content.

Loggins stated definitively that he never granted permission for the use of his work, emphasizing his belief that such appropriation is detrimental. “Nobody asked me for my permission, which I would have denied,” He explained in a statement. “I can’t imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us.”

The Contentious Video

The AI-generated video in question features the former President depicted as a fighter pilot-dubbed “King Trump”-and appears to portray the targeting of protestors. This imagery has sparked widespread discussion and criticism, particularly regarding its divisive nature.

A Pattern of Unauthorized Use

This incident is not isolated. The former president has a documented history of utilizing musical works without securing the necessary approvals from the artists involved. Similar controversies have previously involved Neil Young, the White Stripes, Isaac Hayes, The Rolling Stones, and Celine Dion. This practise extends beyond the political realm, with the Department of Homeland Security also facing copyright challenges after posting social media videos that prompted Digital Millennium Copyright act (DMCA) takedown requests from artists like the Cure and JAY-Z.

Did You Know? According to a recent report by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), copyright infringement cases related to AI-generated content have increased by over 300% in the last year, signaling a growing legal battleground.

Recent Legal Battles over Music Rights

Artist	Year of Dispute	Nature of Dispute
Neil Young	2020	Unauthorized use at rallies
The White Stripes	2024	Unauthorized use in political campaigns
The Cure	2025	unauthorized use in governmental video

The increasing frequency of these disputes underscores the urgent need for clearer legal frameworks surrounding the use of copyrighted material in the context of rapidly evolving AI technologies.The question of artistic control in the digital age is becoming increasingly complex.

Pro Tip: Artists should proactively register their copyrights and monitor online platforms for unauthorized use of their work. Utilizing digital watermarking and establishing clear usage guidelines can also help protect their intellectual property.

the Broader Implications for Artists and AI

The situation with Kenny Loggins and “Danger Zone” highlights a critical challenge facing musicians and other creators in the age of artificial intelligence. AI tools are making it easier than ever to manipulate and repurpose existing content, raising concerns about copyright infringement and artistic integrity.

Experts predict that this issue will only become more pressing as AI technology continues to advance. Legal precedents are still being established, and the debate over fair use and the rights of artists is far from settled.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is DMCA takedown notice? A DMCA takedown notice is a request to internet service providers and website administrators to remove content that infringes on copyright.
• Can I use copyrighted music in my AI-generated videos? Generally, no. You need to obtain explicit permission from the copyright holder.
• What are the legal consequences of using music without permission? Using copyrighted music without permission can result in lawsuits, fines, and other legal penalties.
• How can artists protect their music from unauthorized AI use? Artists can register their copyrights, monitor online platforms, and utilize digital watermarking.
• What is being done to address these issues? Legal experts and policymakers are actively working to develop new frameworks that balance artistic rights with the potential of AI technology.

What are your thoughts on artists’ rights in the age of AI? Do you think current copyright laws are adequate to address these new challenges?

Share this article with your network and let us know your views in the comments below!

How does Kenny Loggins’ stance on political campaigns using his music reflect broader concerns among artists regarding control over their creative work?

The Controversy Explained: Trump campaign & “danger Zone”

Kenny Loggins, the iconic singer-songwriter behind the 1986 hit “Danger Zone” from Top Gun, has publicly condemned Donald Trump’s campaign for utilizing the song in a recent AI-generated video. The video, circulating widely on social media, depicts a digitally altered Trump as a fighter pilot, aiming to evoke a sense of patriotic fervor and strength. Loggins’ criticism centers around the unauthorized use of his music for political purposes, a practice he strongly opposes. This incident highlights a growing trend of political campaigns leveraging popular music, often without the artist’s consent, and the subsequent legal and ethical battles that ensue. The use of AI in creating the video adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

Loggins’ Official Response & Legal Implications

Loggins’ statement, released via his social media channels on October 19th, 2025, was direct and unequivocal. He expressed his disapproval of Trump’s campaign using his song, stating it was done without his permission. He emphasized his long-standing policy of not granting political campaigns the right to use his music.

Here’s a breakdown of the legal aspects:

* Copyright Law: “Danger Zone” is protected by copyright, granting Loggins and his representatives exclusive rights to control its use.

* Unauthorized Use: The Trump campaign’s use of the song constitutes copyright infringement.

* Cease and Desist: Loggins’ team has reportedly issued a cease and desist letter to the campaign, demanding the video’s removal and a halt to any further use of his music.

* Potential Lawsuit: If the campaign doesn’t comply, Loggins could pursue legal action, seeking damages for copyright infringement. Similar cases involving artists like Neil young and Rihanna demonstrate the precedent for such lawsuits.

* Fair Use Doctrine: The campaign might attempt to argue “fair use,” but this is unlikely to succeed given the overtly political and commercial nature of the video. Fair use typically applies to commentary, criticism, or parody.

A History of political Music Disputes

This isn’t an isolated incident. Numerous artists have publicly objected to their music being used in political campaigns.

* Neil Young: In 2020, Neil Young publicly protested Donald Trump’s use of his song “Rockin’ in the Free World” at campaign rallies.

* Rihanna: Rihanna requested that Donald Trump cease and desist from using her music at his rallies in 2018.

* The Rolling Stones: The Rolling Stones have repeatedly asked politicians to stop using their songs.

* John Mellencamp: John Mellencamp also objected to Trump’s use of his music.

These cases underscore the importance of obtaining explicit permission from artists before using their work for political advertising. The increasing frequency of these disputes suggests a need for clearer guidelines and stricter enforcement of copyright laws in the political arena.

The Role of AI in Amplifying the Issue

The fact that the video was created using AI adds a new dimension to the controversy. AI-generated content is rapidly evolving, and its use in political campaigns raises concerns about:

* Deepfakes & misinformation: AI can create realistic but fabricated videos, possibly spreading misinformation and manipulating public opinion.

* Copyright Challenges: Determining copyright ownership and liability for AI-generated content is a complex legal issue.

* Ethical Considerations: The use of AI to impersonate individuals or create misleading content raises serious ethical concerns.

* Authenticity: The AI-generated nature of the video could be seen as undermining the authenticity of the message.

Impact on Trump’s campaign & Public Perception

The backlash from Kenny Loggins and the ensuing media coverage have likely damaged Trump’s campaign. The incident reinforces perceptions of the campaign’s disregard for artists’ rights and potentially alienates voters who are fans of Loggins and his music. the negative publicity could also fuel further scrutiny of the campaign’s use of copyrighted material. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for political campaigns considering using popular music without permission, especially in the age of AI-generated content.

Benefits of Securing Music Licensing

For political campaigns, proactively securing music licenses offers several benefits:

* Legal Protection: avoids costly lawsuits and legal penalties.

* Positive Public Relations: Demonstrates respect for artists’ rights and fosters goodwill.

* Creative Freedom: Allows for the legitimate use of popular music to enhance campaign messaging.

* Brand Enhancement: Projects a professional and ethical image.

Practical Tips for Political Campaigns Regarding Music Use

Here are some practical steps political campaigns should take:

1. Always Obtain Permission: Secure explicit writen permission from the copyright holder (usually the artist or their record label) before using any music.
2. Budget for Licensing Fees: Factor music licensing costs into the campaign budget.
3. Consult with Legal Counsel: Seek legal advice to ensure compliance with copyright laws.
4. Explore Royalty-free Music: Consider using royalty-free music as an alternative to popular songs.