Neil Young sues Trump $10m over rally song use
The worlds of rock mythology and political power have collided in a legal battle over a classic anthem. Singer-songwriter Neil Young has taken legal action against one of Donald Trump‘s political action committees, alleging that the use of his iconic song Rockin’ In The Free World at a rally constituted a breach of agreement and willful disregard for his rights.
The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, centers on a deal struck in 2020 involving copyright infringement. The claim suggests that the use of the track to usher Donald Trump onstage violated the terms of that prior arrangement, creating a legal conflict between artistic ownership and political promotion.
“In 2020, Young sued another corporation formed by Trump, Donald J. Trump For President, Inc., for copyright infringement of Rockin’ In The Free World along with another song Devil’s Sidewalk written by Young,” the filing detailed. The defense, Donald J. Trump For President, Inc., reportedly settled quickly, agreeing to refrain from using the music without explicit permission from Young.
Despite the settlement, the lawsuit argues that the subsequent performance of the song in Youngstown, Ohio, demonstrated a conscious disregard for Young’s rights. The plaintiffs contend that this action inflicted tangible damage on Young’s reputation and brand, implying support for Donald Trump in any capacity.
Young, a longtime critic of the political landscape, is now seeking $10,000,000 in damages plus associated costs. This legal move places the powerful musician at the center of a debate concerning the intersection of personal artistic legacy and political branding.
The conflict is particularly poignant given Young’s own outspoken views on the current political climate. He has previously expressed strong dissatisfaction with the political direction, noting that the current environment is marked by division and a lack of conscience.
The legal dispute occurs against a backdrop of Young’s ongoing artistic output and personal reflections. Recently, the duo Neil Young & the Chrome Hearts released a video for Earth Girl, a tribute to his wife and creative partner, Daryl Hannah, drawn from his album Second Song.
In a personal reflection, Young has spoken about the nature of time and change, noting that the idea of waiting is often futile. He has reflected that while the world is often chaotic, the opportunities for truth and connection remain available, emphasizing that time is not a limiting factor for what is possible.
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