Neil Young sues President Trump for $10 million over unauthorized use of "Rockin' in the Free World"
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The rock musician has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit seeking $10 million after the president’s campaign played his song at rallies without permission.
Neil Young has filed a federal lawsuit against President Donald J. Trump and his campaign organization, alleging copyright infringement for the repeated use of Young’s 1989 song “Rockin’ in the Free World” at political events. The complaint, obtained by Deadline, says the song was played at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on Oct. 12 and at other Republican rallies during the 2020 and 2025 election cycles without a proper license.
“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 filing states.
The suit seeks $10 million in damages, arguing that the president and his campaign were aware that a license was required and that Young had refused to grant one. The complaint also notes that a prior lawsuit filed in 2020 was settled after the campaign agreed not to use the song again without permission.
Young’s legal team says the repeated performances violate his copyright and misrepresent the song’s message, which they claim is antithetical to the president’s policies.