Kenny Loggins is not holding back after discovering that Donald Trump’s campaign used his iconic song “Danger Zone” in a bizarre AI-generated video. The clip, which shows Trump in a fighter jet bombing “No Kings” protesters with what looks like fecal matter, has sparked outrage — including from Loggins himself.
In a statement shared with Variety, the legendary singer slammed the use of his song in the video, calling it “unauthorized.” He also made it clear that he would have refused permission had anyone asked.
“This is an unauthorized use of my performance of ‘Danger Zone,’” Loggins said. “Nobody asked me for my permission, which I would have denied, and I request that my recording on this video is removed immediately.”
Loggins went on to express his disbelief that anyone would want their music associated with a video designed to drive division.
“I can’t imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us,” he said. “Too many people are trying to tear us apart, and we need to find new ways to come together.” He added, “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 1986 classic “Danger Zone” became famous after being featured in the Top Gun film, starring Tom Cruise. Trump’s video seems to be a strange homage to that movie, though Loggins is less than impressed by the association. Along with “Danger Zone,” Loggins is also known for his hit “Footloose” from the 1984 movie of the same name.
Meanwhile, Trump’s controversial AI video came amid the nationwide “No Kings” protests, which saw over 2,700 events in all 50 states on Saturday, as nearly 7 million people reportedly voiced their opposition to the Trump administration. The protests were a clear stand against authoritarianism, with many calling for the preservation of democracy. Celebrities like Mark Ruffalo, Jimmy Kimmel, Robert De Niro, and Glenn Close all spoke out in support of the demonstrations.
Robert De Niro echoed the historic roots of the protest, noting that the original No Kings movement happened 250 years ago when Americans rejected the rule of King George III and fought for their independence. “Now we have a would-be king who wants to take it away: King Donald the First,” De Niro said. “Fuck that. We’re rising up again, this time, nonviolently raising our voices to declare: No Kings.”
In a climate where music and pop culture often mix with politics, Loggins’ pushback is a reminder of how artists are grappling with their work being used in divisive ways. His message is clear: let’s use music to unite, not divide.
