Neil Young has launched a $10 million lawsuit against President Donald Trump's campaign committee, accusing it of unauthorized use of his song 'Rockin' in the Free World' at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on October 12. The lawsuit, filed in U. S. District Court in Richmond, Virginia, claims the song was played without permission at multiple rallies aimed at boosting Republican support for the upcoming mid-term elections.
The legal action targets the Trump 47 Committee and five other unnamed defendants, referred to as 'Doe, ' whom Young believes are responsible for the copyright infringement. Trump was aware that a license was necessary to play the song at his rallies, yet Young has never granted such permission and would not do so.
Young, an 80-year-old musician and two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, previously sued another Trump-related entity, Donald J. Trump for President Inc., in 2020. That case, filed in Manhattan federal court, also involved unauthorized use of 'Rockin' in the Free World' and another Young song, 'Devil's Sidewalk.' The earlier lawsuit was settled quickly, with Trump's corporation agreeing not to use Young's music without a license in the future.
The lawsuit describes 'Rockin' in the Free World' as a 'blistering anthem' that critiques American political rhetoric by highlighting the struggles of the poor and marginalized. The song's lyrics depict stark images of societal issues, such as addiction and homelessness, juxtaposed with a chorus that ironically celebrates freedom not enjoyed by all. Young's suit argues that the song's message is fundamentally opposed to what Trump represents.
Inquiries for comments from the Trump 47 Committee and Young's legal team have been made, but no responses were immediately available. The White House directed questions to the Republican National Committee, which has yet to reply.
Beyond the copyright issue, the October 12 rally in Youngstown was marred by an incident involving violence against a protester. Videos from the event show attendees attacking Blake Miley, who was shouting 'fascist' at Trump while wearing a shirt demanding the release of the Epstein files. The Mahoning County Sheriff's Office is reportedly investigating three individuals connected to this altercation.
Young, originally from Canada and now a naturalized U. S. citizen, has had a storied career in music, both as a solo artist and as part of the folk rock group Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. His song 'Rockin' in the Free World, ' released in 1989, remains a powerful critique of political and social issues, making its unauthorized use at political rallies particularly contentious.
