Neil Young seeks $10 million from Trump 47 Coalition over unlicensed rally song

Neil Young filed a federal lawsuit on Monday seeking $10 million in damages against the Trump 47 Coalition. The complaint alleges that the political action committee infringed on his copyright by playing the song “Rockin’ in the Free World” at a recent rally without a license. Young’s legal team described the track as a blistering anthem that contrasts the hollow promises of political rhetoric with the harsh realities faced by the poor, homeless, and forgotten.

The suit argues that the lyrics paint street-level portraits of despair and that the chorus delivers savage irony by celebrating freedom that is not shared by all. Young’s team stated that the song is the opposite of everything Donald J. Trump stands for. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the filing.

This is the second time Young has taken legal action over the use of this specific song. In 2020, he sued the Donald J. Trump for President group for similar infringement. In the new filing, Young noted that the 2020 case settled quickly after the campaign served the complaint. The earlier settlement included a promise that the campaign would never again use the track without a license and permission from Young.

Young has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration in the entertainment industry. Last year, the dual citizen of the United States and Canada expressed concern that Trump might bar him from returning to the country while he was on a European tour. The president has also engaged in public disputes with other musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Jack White, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo.

The complaint was filed in federal court on Monday. Young is seeking $10 million in damages for the copyright infringement. The Trump 47 Coalition has not yet filed a response to the lawsuit.