Neil Young seeks $10 million in second copyright suit against Trump camp
The lawsuit alleges the 1979 track was used without permission at an Ohio rally, damaging the artist's reputation.
By Lucia Herrera ·
Neil Young is suing the Trump 47 Committee for $10 million. The musician filed the complaint in federal court in Virginia on Monday. He claims the joint fundraising committee used his song “Rockin’ in the Free World” without permission. This is the second time Young has taken legal action over the president's use of his music.
The five-page filing states that Young has suffered damage to his reputation. His lawyers argue that the use of the track implies he supports Donald J. Trump. The suit specifically cites an October rally in Ohio. It alleges copyright infringement regarding the repeated use of the hit song at campaign events.
The lawsuit describes the 1979 track as a blistering anthem. It contrasts hollow political promises with the harsh realities faced by the poor, homeless, and forgotten. The filing notes that the lyrics paint vivid street-level portraits. These include a mother discarding her baby, addicts lost in despair, and garbage piling in the shadows of prosperity. The legal team argues the song celebrates a freedom that is not shared by all. They state the song is the opposite of everything Trump stands for.
Young previously sued the Trump presidential campaign in 2020. That suit involved both “Rockin’ in the Free World” and another song, “Devil’s Sidewalk.” Young’s team said that earlier case was settled shortly after it was filed. He has also criticized the playing of his songs during the president's political events in the past.
The White House referred NBC News to the Republican National Committee for comment. Neither a spokesperson for the RNC nor the Trump 47 committee immediately responded to a request for comment.
Other musicians have also objected to the use of their work by Trump or the White House. Kesha said in a post that she did not approve of her music being used to promote violence. This followed a military-themed social media post by the White House just weeks before the start of the Iran war. Olivia Rodrigo wrote to the Trump campaign, “Ew don’t use my sound ever again ty.” Sabrina Carpenter called a White House video on immigration enforcement “evil and disgusting.” She told the White House not to involve her or her music to benefit their agenda.
