Part of the presidential oath is a commitment to uphold the Constitution, including protecting free speech. However, recent actions by the President, involving a provocative AI-generated video, seem to contradict this promise. The video, which depicts the President piloting an aircraft and metaphorically defecating on protestors, was shared widely on social media, sparking outrage and disbelief.

The content of the video has been criticized not just for its distasteful imagery, but also for its apparent message against free speech—a right the President himself discussed curtailing in a recent statement caught on video.

Adding to the controversy, the unauthorized use of Kenny Loggins’ hit song "Danger Zone" in the video has led to the artist's public condemnation. Loggins has demanded an immediate removal of his song from the video, emphasizing that he was never consulted and would have never granted permission for such use.

In his statement to NPR, Loggins expressed his dismay, stating, "I can't imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us." He emphasized the need for unity and the powerful role music can play in bringing people together, rather than sowing division.

This incident is not an isolated case. Many artists have previously taken legal or public relations actions against the President for using their music without permission, particularly in contexts they find objectionable or misrepresentative of their values.

The broader implications of these incidents raise significant questions about the respect for intellectual property and the ethical use of media to convey political messages. As tensions remain high, the role of artists and their control over their creative outputs continues to be a pivotal part of the conversation surrounding political expression and freedom.

For those interested in the history of artists resisting unauthorized political use of their music, a curated playlist exists that features tracks from various musicians who have either asked or sued to stop their music from being used at political rallies or in campaign materials.

This ongoing conflict between artistic integrity and political expression showcases the complex interplay between law, rights, and personal beliefs in the digital age.