Metallica sends warning shot to Pentagon over unauthorized use of 'Enter Sandman'

A recent U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) video featuring "Enter Sandman" was swiftly removed from social media after Metallica issued a copyright notice.

The original post, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on July 11, included commentary from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and highlighted advancements in military drone capabilities. The background music, however, drew immediate attention. Metallica's 1991 hit was used in the clip without the band’s approval.

In response to the copyright violation, the band submitted a formal complaint. The Pentagon acted quickly, taking down the video and re-uploading it with alternative music.

A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the correction, 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 with the song ‘Enter Sandman’ by Metallica. The video has been taken down, corrected, and re-uploaded to our page.”

Metallica also verified to Rolling Stone that they had not authorized use of the track.

Internet erupts as Metallica slams DoD with copyright notice over “Enter Sandman” slip-up

Social media lit up with various reactions after the rock legends slammed the Department of Defense for unauthorized “Enter Sandman” use.

“Hegseth stole their property without permission to use in an official government video promoting war. That’s not how Metallica wants their music used, as DOD would have known if they asked instead of breaking the law,” @RonFilipkowski commented.

“It is astounding how these right wing a**holes on social media can turn LITERALLY ANY CRIME committed by this administration into professional victim hood or binary hatred. You steal music. You get called out for it. Now apparently you hate the military. Rinse and repeat on every topic,” @DjOmegaMVP shared.

“Pete Hegseth’s reckless disregard for copyright law and the military’s complicity in stealing Metallica’s music exposes his incompetence and the MAGA agenda’s blatant disrespect for artists’ rights,” @RichardAngwin wrote.

“Metallica has always been protective of their music rights. Just finished the 'Enter Copyright: Music Ownership Wars' podcast on @NookaApp - fascinating insights on artists battling unauthorized government use of their work!” @flygurl2009 added.

Meanwhile, despite the copyright hiccup, the band’s own momentum remains unshaken. The band recently announced a 2026 stadium tour across the UK and Europe, with stops in Dublin, Glasgow, Cardiff, and London. Support acts will include Gojira, Pantera, Knocked Loose, and Avatar.

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Metallica also surprised fans during Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning farewell event, where they performed Sabbath classics Hole in the Sky and Johnny Blade.

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