Neil Young Sues Trump for $10M for Using 'Rockin' in the Free World'
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Neil Young has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Donald J. Trump’s political action committee, Trump 47 Committee Inc., for copyright infringement over the unauthorized use of his song “Rockin’ in the Free World” at Trump’s midterm election rallies.
- This is Young’s second lawsuit against Trump regarding the song; the first was settled in 2020, but Trump allegedly continued to use the song in violation of that settlement.
- The lawsuit highlights the song’s critical message contrasting American political rhetoric with social realities, arguing it is fundamentally opposed to Trump’s values, and seeks an injunction against further use and damages for past use.
- Young claims Trump was aware a license was required and that the unauthorized use has harmed Young’s reputation by implying his support for Trump, which contradicts Young’s outspoken opposition to the former president.
- The case reflects ongoing tensions between Trump and musicians whose work he uses without permission, amid broader political and cultural conflicts involving the former president’s campaign tactics.
