Neil Young Sues Trump Coalition for $10 Million Over Rally Song
The musician argues the track contradicts the president's political message and claims no license was obtained for its use.
By Victoria Hayes ·
Neil Young filed a federal lawsuit on Monday against the Trump 47 Coalition, seeking $10 million in damages. The suit targets the coalition's use of the song "Rockin’ in the Free World" at a recent political rally. Young’s legal team asserts that the group did not secure a license for the track.
The complaint describes the song as a sharp critique of American political rhetoric. It notes that the lyrics contrast political promises with the harsh realities faced by the poor, homeless, and forgotten. The filing argues that the repeated chorus celebrates a freedom that is not shared by all. Young’s team stated that the song is the opposite of everything Donald J. Trump stands for.
This is the second time Young has sued over Trump’s use of this specific track. In 2020, Young took legal action against the Donald J. Trump for President committee. The new filing references that earlier dispute, noting that Trump’s team settled shortly after being served. The coalition promised at that time it would never use the song again without Young’s permission.
Young is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. He has become a vocal critic of the current administration. Last year, he expressed concern that the president might bar him from re-entering the country while he was on tour in Europe. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new suit.
The legal battle adds to a growing list of friction between Trump and musicians. The president has previously engaged in public disputes with artists including Bruce Springsteen, Jack White, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo. Young’s lawsuit continues the pattern of using copyright law to challenge the use of popular songs in political settings.
The case is now in federal court. Young’s team is seeking a specific monetary award for the infringement. The coalition has been notified of the claims. The outcome of this suit will follow the precedent set by the 2020 settlement, where the political group agreed to stop using the track without explicit permission from the artist.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
