President Trump’s latest Truth Social stunt has Kenny Loggins seeing red.
The rockstar demanded his 1986 hit “Danger Zone” be removed from a video where Trump, via AI, pilots a fighter jet dropping what looks like waste on “No Kings” protesters.
Loggins didn’t mince words, telling Variety the video’s unauthorized use of his song crossed a line, one he’d never have approved. The clip, posted on Truth Social without comment, leans hard into Top Gun vibes, with Trump’s jet soaring as “Danger Zone” blares. In one sentence: Trump’s AI-generated video mocking “No Kings” protesters with Loggins’ song sparked a firestorm, blending humor, controversy, and a musician’s fury.
The video’s cheeky reference to the 1986 film Top Gun didn’t amuse Loggins, who called it divisive. He’s not wrong—painting protesters as targets for crude humor doesn’t exactly scream unity. Yet, the MAGA crowd on X ate it up, chuckling at the sheer audacity.
“This is an unauthorized use of my performance of ‘Danger Zone,’” Loggins told Variety, insisting the song be removed immediately. His indignation is understandable; no artist wants their work tied to a political jab without consent. But in a polarized world, good luck keeping art out of the fray.
The White House, when pressed by Variety, didn’t engage seriously, firing back with a Top Gun meme: “I feel the need for speed.” It’s a classic dodge—deflect with humor, avoid the substance. That’s Trump’s playbook, and it’s working for his base.
Social media reactions split predictably along ideological lines, with conservatives hailing the video’s irreverence. “Because it’s hilarious lil bro,” one X user quipped, capturing the glee of Trump supporters. The “No Kings” slogan, meant to challenge authority, got turned into a punchline, and they loved it.
Left-wing influencer Harry Sisson, claiming he was depicted in the AI video, took to X to demand answers. “Can a reporter please ask Trump why he posted an AI video of himself dropping poop on me from a fighter jet?” Sisson posted, clearly rattled. It’s a fair question, but don’t hold your breath for a straight answer.
Vice President JD Vance jumped in, replying, “I’ll ask him for you, Harry.” The sarcasm drips here—Vance knows this is pure political theater, not a policy debate. It’s the kind of trolling that keeps X lively and divisive.
Comments on X ranged from juvenile to pointed, with one user mocking Sisson: “LOL! You got sht on!” Another jabbed, “One does not question the King,” flipping the protesters’ slogan into a pro-Trump zinger. The humor lands for some, but it’s a gut punch to others.
Loggins, for his part, isn’t laughing. “I can’t imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us,” he told Variety. He’s got a point—music like “Danger Zone” is meant to pump up, not tear down.
“Too many people are trying to tear us apart, and we need to find new ways to come together,” Loggins added. It’s a noble sentiment, but in today’s climate, even a rock anthem gets weaponized. The idea of music as a neutral unifier feels quaint when every tweet is a battleground.
Loggins doubled down, saying, “We’re all Americans, and we’re all patriotic.” He’s pleading for a shared identity, not tribal sniping. But when a song becomes a prop in a political stunt, that dream of unity takes a hit.
The video’s fans on X see it as peak Trump—unapologetic, irreverent, and poking the woke bear. “Because he is the funniest president America has ever had,” one user gushed. They’re not wrong; Trump’s knack for viral provocation is unmatched, even if it’s crude.
Still, Loggins’ frustration resonates with those tired of the culture war’s endless volleys. Using AI to mock protesters might get laughs, but it’s a cheap shot that deepens the divide. Conservatives may cheer the humor, but they’d do well to heed Loggins’ call for something higher.
Trump’s video, like much of his online presence, thrives on pushing buttons. Whether it’s “Danger Zone” or a meme, the goal is attention, not dialogue. Loggins’ stand reminds us that art shouldn’t be collateral damage in the quest for clicks.