The Pentagon just hit a sour note with Metallica, pulling the band’s iconic song from a promotional video after a copyright clash. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s bold pitch for “drone dominance” got an unwanted remix when the heavy metal giants objected to their music’s unauthorized use.
According to Breitbart, the original video, showcasing a new executive order from President Donald Trump to secure American drone superiority, premiered last Thursday on the Department of Defense’s official X account. It featured Hegseth speaking over Metallica’s 1991 hit “Enter Sandman,” until the band stepped in to shut it down.
The video was meant to project strength and innovation, with Hegseth delivering a powerful message about America’s future in drone technology. But using a track without permission? That’s a misstep even the most tone-deaf bureaucrat should’ve seen coming.
Hegseth’s narration in the clip was fiery, proclaiming, “This is the future. We’re in the fight to win it.” Too bad Metallica wasn’t fighting on the same side, quickly flagging the unauthorized use of their anthem.
The band’s representatives confirmed to Rolling Stone that they hadn’t greenlit the song for the Pentagon’s use. While some might call this overreach by a band protecting its brand, it’s hard to argue against artists controlling their own work—something conservatives usually champion.
By Friday, the Pentagon got the message loud and clear after X representatives contacted the Department of Defense about the copyright issue. Ignoring intellectual property rights isn’t just a progressive habit; it’s a universal fumble that even the military couldn’t dodge here.
The Pentagon confirmed the takedown, stating, “This afternoon, representatives from X reached out to DoD regarding a video posted to our social media page and asked that the video be removed due to a copyright issue.” No pushback, just compliance—perhaps a rare moment of humility from the brass.
The video was swiftly edited, stripped of “Enter Sandman,” and re-uploaded to the Department of Defense’s page. It’s a pragmatic move, though one wonders why no one checked the legal box before hitting “post.”
Metallica’s objection isn’t just about royalties; it’s about association. While Hegseth’s message of American strength aligns with many conservative values, the band clearly didn’t want their art tied to any political or military agenda.
The revised video still carries Hegseth’s core message, emphasizing Trump’s executive order to prioritize drone technology as a national security pillar. It’s a policy that resonates with those of us who believe in maintaining American edge over global competitors.
Yet, the copyright snafu distracts from that mission, turning a serious policy rollout into a sideshow about music rights. It’s a reminder that even the best intentions can trip over small, avoidable details.
Hegseth’s resolve in the video—“We’re never gonna back down”—still rings through, even without Metallica’s backing track. But next time, the Pentagon might want to stick to royalty-free tunes or, better yet, get permission first.
This incident underscores a broader point: intellectual property isn’t a trivial matter, whether you’re a garage band or the Pentagon. Conservatives often rail against Big Tech overreach, so let’s not ignore when government entities overstep on artists’ rights.
Metallica’s stance, while firm, is understandable—they’ve built a legacy and have every right to guard how it’s used. It’s not about stifling free expression; it’s about ensuring their work isn’t co-opted without consent.
For Hegseth and the Defense Department, the takeaway is clear: focus on dominating the drone game, not the copyright courtroom. A little due diligence goes a long way, even when you’re projecting power on the world stage.
