Neil Young sues Trump committee over song use, claiming rallies crossed a legal line
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Musician Neil Young has filed a $10 million copyright lawsuit against the Trump 47 Committee, saying it used his 1989 song “Rockin’ in the Free World” at rallies without authorization. The complaint says the committee ignored a prior settlement, while Young argues the music was used in a way that damaged his reputation by suggesting support for Donald J. Trump.
Neil Young filed a lawsuit on Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, seeking $10 million in damages and an injunction against further political use of his 1989 song “Rockin’ in the Free World.” The complaint targets the Trump 47 Committee Inc., the political action committee supporting former President Donald J. Trump, and cites repeated play of the song at the president’s rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on Oct. 12, as well as at other midterm election events.
The filing alleges that the committee continued to use the song despite a 2020 settlement with a different Trump-affiliated corporation that required a license. The suit states that Trump was personally aware that a license was needed and that Young has not granted one.
"Donald J. Trump for President Inc. asserted no defense and immediately settled shortly after it was served, promising that it would never again use ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ without a license and permission from Young."
"Among other things, Young has suffered damage to his reputation and brand as a result of the implication that he supports Donald J. Trump in any way," the complaint adds.
The case marks Young’s second legal action against the president over the same song; the earlier suit was settled, but the new filing claims the terms of that settlement have been violated. The lawsuit seeks both monetary compensation and a court order to stop future political performances of the track.