Neil Young sues Trump $10M for playing ‘Rockin’ at rally again
Rockin’ in the Free World: Neil Young Takes Trump Campaign to Court Over Copyright
Years after the initial legal skirmish, the musical legend Neil Young is once again taking action against the Trump administration, suing the President’s political action committee for the unauthorized use of his iconic track, “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
The lawsuit, filed Monday, sought $10 million in damages, citing the use of the hit song by Donald Trump as a walk-up song at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, held on October 12th for the upcoming midterm elections.
Young argues that the song is far more than just a catchy tune; it is a blistering anthem that reflects the harsh realities faced by the poor, homeless, and forgotten. The lyrics, he contends, paint vivid portraits of despair—from mothers discarding their babies to addicts lost in shadow—offering a savage irony that stands in direct opposition to the promises of American political rhetoric.
““Rockin’ in the Free World” is the opposite of everything that Donald J. Trump stands for,” Young stated in the suit. He maintains that the song highlights a gap between aspirational rhetoric and lived experience.
The musician claims he never granted permission for the song to be used by Trump’s PAC, and he argues that the use of the music is an insult to his reputation. Young’s legal team further asserted that this alleged use has caused tangible damage to his brand and reputation by implying he supports the political agenda of the campaign.
Young points out that the situation has a history. He previously sued Trump’s campaign over the same song during his 2020 presidential run. In that instance, the campaign quickly settled and promised that the music would never be used without explicit license and permission from Young.
While the White House did not immediately respond to the legal challenge, the dispute is part of a wider trend of artists challenging the use of their work in political contexts. Scores of musicians have gone public with their distaste for this practice since Trump entered politics in 2016.
This legal confrontation is not an isolated incident. In 2024, both The White Stripes and the estate of Isaac Hayes also initiated lawsuits over Trump’s use of their music, specifically the songs “Seven Nation Army” and “Hold On, I’m Coming.” While The White Stripes suit was dropped, the Hayes estate managed to settle their copyright claims this year.
Furthermore, the tension between the music industry and political messaging has extended beyond rallies. During Trump’s second term, music stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and Ariana Grande have faced public criticism over the use of their music on social media platforms. Many of these posts have been videos promoting the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s deportation agenda under the administration.
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