Neil Young seeks $10 million from Trump
The musician alleges his classic anthem was used at a rally without a license, marking his second lawsuit against the president’s campaigns.
By Diego Mendoza ·
Neil Young is asking a federal court to award him $10 million in damages. He filed the lawsuit on Monday against the Trump 47 Coalition. The legal action centers on the use of his song “Rockin’ in the Free World” at a recent political rally.
Young’s legal team argued that the track lacks a license for this specific use. They described the composition as a sharp critique of American political speech. The complaint states the song contrasts political promises with the harsh realities faced by the poor and homeless.
The filing includes a detailed description of the lyrics. It notes that the words depict a mother discarding her baby and addicts in despair. The suit claims the chorus offers a savage irony about shared freedom. Young’s attorneys concluded that the song is the opposite of what Donald J. Trump represents.
This is the second time Young has sued over this specific track. In 2020, he brought a similar suit against the Donald J. Trump for President group. That previous case ended in a settlement shortly after it was served. Trump’s team at the time promised they would not use the song without permission again.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new filing. Young has long been a vocal critic of the administration. He holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada.
Last year, the musician expressed concern about returning to the U.S. from a European tour. He feared the president might block his re-entry. Trump has faced friction with several high-profile musicians recently. These include Bruce Springsteen, Jack White, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
