Neil Young files second lawsuit against Trump group over song use

Neil Young has filed a new federal lawsuit against the Trump 47 Coalition, seeking $10 million in damages for the unauthorized use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” at a political rally. The filing marks the second time the singer has taken legal action regarding the president’s use of the track.

In the complaint submitted to federal court on Monday, Young’s legal team described the song as a blistering anthem that contrasts the hollow promises of American political rhetoric with the harsh realities faced by the poor, homeless, and forgotten. The suit argues that the lyrics paint vivid street-level portraits, including a mother discarding her baby and addicts lost in despair, while the chorus delivers a savage irony. The document states in short that the song is the opposite of everything that Donald J. Trump stands for.

The legal dispute stems from the coalition’s use of the track without a license. Young accused the group of copyright infringement and requested $10 million in compensation for the violation. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the new filing.

This litigation follows a similar suit filed by Young in 2020 against a different Trump political committee, Donald J. Trump for President. In the current filing, Young referenced that earlier case, noting that the previous team asserted no defense and settled shortly after the suit was served. During that settlement, the group promised it would never again use “Rockin’ in the Free World” without a license and permission from Young.

Young, a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration. Last year, he voiced concern that the president might bar him from returning to the country while he was on tour in Europe. The singer is among several musicians who have clashed with Trump, including Bruce Springsteen, Jack White, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo.

The next step in the process involves the Trump 47 Coalition responding to the complaint in federal court. Young’s attorneys expect the court to review the evidence of unlicensed use and the alleged breach of the previous settlement agreement.