Pentagon Removes Drone Video After Metallica Complaint

The Pentagon removed and re-uploaded a promotional video about the U.S. military's expanded drone program after Metallica issued a formal copyright complaint and X (formerly Twitter) requested its removal due to unauthorized use of 'Enter Sandman.' The video, featuring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and promoting President Trump's executive order on 'American drone dominance,' was initially posted with the Metallica track as background music. Upon receiving a formal notice from Metallica, the Department of Defense confirmed the copyright violation, removed the video, and reposted it without the song. Metallica's representatives emphasized the band's opposition to their music being used without consent, particularly in military or political settings. The incident provoked online criticism and reignited debate over unauthorized use of artists’ music by government agencies. The episode highlights the importance of explicit licensing for digital government communications.