A clash of metal and military might has unfolded as the Pentagon was forced to strip a Metallica classic from a promotional video featuring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The video, touting a bold vision of American drone supremacy, hit a sour note with the band, who cried foul over unauthorized use of their music.

According to Breitbart, the original clip aired last Thursday on the Department of Defense’s official X account, showcasing Hegseth’s push for dominance in drone technology under a new executive order from President Donald Trump. The dispute centers on Metallica’s 1991 hit “Enter Sandman,” which was used without the band’s consent.

The video initially paired Hegseth’s confident message with the iconic track, amplifying his declaration of a future where America leads the fight and never backs down. But Metallica wasn’t rocking along—they quickly raised a copyright objection, forcing a swift edit. It’s a reminder that even the Pentagon can’t riff on someone else’s intellectual property without permission.

Copyright Clash with a Metal Icon

The Pentagon confirmed on Friday that representatives from X contacted them about the copyright issue tied to “Enter Sandman.” The video was promptly removed, revised, and re-uploaded without the song, proving that even national defense must bow to legal boundaries.

“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 with the song ‘Enter Sandman’ by Metallica,” the Pentagon stated. While the statement is factual, it sidesteps the larger question of why no one checked the licensing box before hitting ‘post’—a rookie move for an outfit that prides itself on precision.

Metallica’s team didn’t mince words, affirming to Rolling Stone that the track was used without their approval. For a band known for guarding their creative rights, this reaction is hardly a surprise, though it does highlight how even patriotic messaging can stumble over progressive notions of ‘ownership’ run amok.

Hegseth’s Vision Hits a Snag

In the original footage, Hegseth passionately outlined his department’s mission to fulfill Trump’s directive for “American drone dominance.” His words, “This is the future. We’re in the fight to win it,” were meant to inspire, but the soundtrack snafu stole some of that thunder.

The reworked video, now sans Metallica, still carries Hegseth’s message, though one wonders if the impact feels a bit muted without the heavy metal punch. It’s a small but telling misstep for an administration aiming to project strength and competence at every turn.

From a conservative lens, this episode underscores a broader frustration with overzealous copyright rules that can stifle even well-intentioned efforts to rally national pride. Yet, respect for property rights—be they physical or intellectual—remains a core principle worth defending, even if the timing stings.

Pentagon Adapts After Backlash

The Department of Defense acted quickly to correct the oversight, ensuring the video was back online in a compliant form. It’s a pragmatic response, though it doesn’t erase the initial blunder of bypassing proper channels for such a high-profile release.

Metallica’s firm stance is understandable—who wouldn’t protect their life’s work?—but it also raises questions about whether such rigid enforcement serves the greater good in every context. In an era where cultural battles often overshadow common sense, this feels like a missed chance for dialogue over a shared appreciation of American grit.

Hegseth, for his part, remains focused on the bigger picture: securing America’s edge in drone technology. The copyright hiccup is a footnote, not the story, though it’s a cautionary tale for government creatives eager to borrow a cultural boost.

Lessons in Legal Limits

This incident is less about Metallica’s objection and more about the Pentagon’s lapse in due diligence. A simple clearance check could have avoided the headache, sparing both sides an unnecessary public spat.

For conservatives championing Trump’s vision of renewed American strength, the takeaway is clear: execution matters as much as intent. A powerful message like Hegseth’s deserves airtight delivery, not distractions over a soundtrack squabble.

Ultimately, the re-uploaded video keeps the focus on drone dominance, where it belongs. Metallica may have exited the stage, but the mission marches on—and perhaps next time, the Pentagon will pick a tune that’s cleared for takeoff.