Neil Young Sues Trump 47 Coalition for $10 Million Over Rally Song

Neil Young filed a federal complaint on Monday against the Trump 47 Coalition, seeking $10 million in damages for the unauthorized use of his song 'Rockin’ in the Free World' at a recent political rally. The lawsuit marks the second time the musician has taken legal action against a Trump-affiliated entity over the same track.

In the filing, Young’s legal team described the 1989 song as a 'blistering anthem' that contrasts political rhetoric with the harsh realities faced by the poor and homeless. The complaint stated that the lyrics depict street-level scenes of despair while the chorus delivers a 'savage irony' about freedom. Young’s team argued that the song represents the 'opposite of everything that Donald J. Trump stands for.'

The core of the claim is copyright infringement. Young accused the coalition of playing the track without securing a license. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the new suit.

This dispute follows a similar legal battle in 2020, when Young sued Donald J. Trump for President. In that earlier case, the candidate’s team asserted no defense and settled shortly after receiving the complaint. According to the new filing, Trump’s team promised at that time that they would never again use the song without a license and permission from Young.

The lawsuit underscores Young’s status as a vocal critic of the Trump administration. Last year, the dual American-Canadian citizen expressed concern that the president might prevent him from returning to the United States during a European tour. The friction between Trump and the music industry has been visible in recent years, with the president clashing with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Jack White, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo.

The new complaint was filed in federal court. Young is currently seeking a financial remedy for what his team characterizes as a breach of a prior informal agreement. The coalition has not yet responded to the specific allegations of infringement in this second round of litigation.