Entertainment · Music · 24 mins ago
Neil Young sues Trump group over rally use of ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’
Neil Young has sued Donald Trump’s political committee over its use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” at a rally.
Young says the song was played without a license at a Trump rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on October 12.
He is seeking $10 million in damages and an order preventing the committee from using the song again.
Young’s lawsuit says the song’s message conflicts with Trump’s views and that its use could suggest Young supports him.
This is the second time Young has sued over the song’s use by Trump’s team; a similar case in 2020 was settled, with the campaign promising not to use it without permission.
The case highlights how musicians can challenge political campaigns over the use of their music and its association with them.
The lawsuit will now proceed in federal court, and the White House had not immediately responded to a request for comment.
Neil Young filed a $10 million copyright infringement lawsuit against the Trump 47 Committee over its use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” at political rallies.
The lawsuit alleges the song was played without Young’s permission, including at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on Oct. 12.
Young is seeking damages and an injunction to prevent further political use of the song.
The filing says Young sued a different Trump campaign entity over the song in 2020 and that the case was settled with a promise not to use it without permission.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to two of the reports.
- Who
- Neil Young is suing the Trump 47 Committee, a political action committee.
- What
- Young alleges copyright infringement over the use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” at rallies. He seeks $10 million in damages and an injunction.
- When
- Young filed the lawsuit on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. The suit cites a rally on Oct. 12.
- Where
- The lawsuit was filed in federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia. The cited rally was in Youngstown, Ohio.
- Why
- Young alleges the song was used without a license or his permission.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Young sued a different Trump campaign entity over the use of “Rockin’ in the Free World,” and the suit was settled with a promise not to use the song without permission.
The song was played at a Trump rally in Youngstown, Ohio, according to Young’s lawsuit.
Young filed a new lawsuit against the Trump 47 Committee.
- Damages sought
- $10 million
- Song
- Rockin’ in the Free World
- Rally cited in lawsuit
- Youngstown, Ohio, on Oct. 12
- Lawsuit filed
- Oct. 26, 2026
- Prior lawsuit
- Filed in 2020 and settled with a promise not to use the song without permission
5 sources
Neil Young Sues Trump PAC for $10 Million Over Use of ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ at Rally
Neil Young Files $10 Million Suit Against Trump for Using ‘Rockin’ in the Free World,’ Six Years After a Prior Settlement Over the Same Song
Neil Young Sues Trump for Using “Rockin’ in the Free World” at Rally: “The Opposite of Everything Donald J. Trump Stands For”
Neil Young Sues Trump for $10 Million Over Use of “Rockin’ in the Free World”
Neil Young Hits Trump With $10M Lawsuit for Playing ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ at Rally — Again
What people are saying
The song is the opposite of everything that Donald J. Trump stands for
Among other things, Young has suffered damage to his reputation and brand as a result of the implication that he supports Donald J. Trump in any way