On July 11, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth released a video on X introducing the Pentagon’s new advances in drone technology. In the initial version, “Enter Sandman,” Metallica’s iconic 1991 song, was playing in the background. .
The piece showed Hegseth signing a drone “dominance” directive as the tune boomed over the loudspeakers, generating surprise at the strong association with the military.
Immediate reaction and copyright
Shortly after its release, representatives of the X service contacted the Department of Defense about a copyright claim filed by Metallica.
The band had not given any authorization for the use of their song in a government video.
Consequently, the video was taken down, edited to remove the track and re-uploaded without music.
A Pentagon spokesman confirmed that they acted after receiving the request from the platform service.
Metallica, always alert with their music
This is not the first time Metallica has taken legal action for misuse of their songs.
Previously, former President Donald Trump used them at a military parade in June without permits, although he avoided legal confrontations over public licenses for live events.
The band, known for jealously guarding its intellectual property rights, has made its position clear: they do not consent to unauthorized use, even in government campaigns.
Debate on legality and morality
Copyright experts point out that, although there are licenses for public use, these do not apply to online content such as official videos or image campaigns.
Some network users criticized the Pentagon for ignoring the legal process and risking the institutional image.
Metallica’s statement was interpreted by some as a strong defense of artistic rights against unauthorized uses, including by the government.
Han sido varios los artistas que no desean ser asociados con este gobierno comandado por Trump, por lo que les impiden utilizar su música
Pentagon withdraws video
The Pentagon had to withdraw and edit an institutional video after using “Enter Sandman” without Metallica’s authorization.
The band’s swift response and the action of the Department of Defense demonstrate the importance of copyright in digital environments.
For those living in the United States, the case serves as a reminder that, no matter who we are, no audiovisual content can use protected music without explicit permission.
Here you can watch the controversial video of the Secretary of Defense with Metallica’s music.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
