Neil Young sues Donald Trump for $10 million over unauthorized use of "Rockin' in the Free World"
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Rock musician Neil Young has filed a $10 million copyright infringement lawsuit against President Donald J. Trump, alleging the song was played at political rallies without a proper license.
Neil Young has filed a federal lawsuit seeking $10 million in damages from President Donald J. Trump for alleged copyright infringement. The complaint alleges that the former president’s campaign used Young’s 1989 song “Rockin’ in the Free World” at rallies in 2015, 2020 and most recently on Oct. 12 in Youngstown, Ohio, without obtaining a license.
According to the filing, the song’s lyrics portray social hardships that Young says contrast with the political messages promoted at the events. The complaint states that Trump’s campaign was aware that a license was required and that Young had previously refused to grant one.
“Rockin’ in the Free World is a blistering anthem that contrasts the hollow promises of American political rhetoric with the harsh realities faced by the homeless and forgotten,” the lawsuit reads.
The suit also notes that a prior claim against “Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.” was settled after the organization promised not to use the song without permission. Trump has not responded publicly to the new filing.
Legal experts say the case will hinge on whether the campaign’s use of the song qualifies as a public performance that requires a license under U.S. copyright law.