Neil Young sues Trump committee over use of ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’
publishers 39articles 39first reported 27 Oct, 01:15 UTCdeveloping since 27 Oct · 6 editions
Neil Young has sued the Trump 47 Committee, alleging it used his song “Rockin’ in the Free World” at political rallies without permission despite an earlier settlement barring its unlicensed use.
The lawsuit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, seeks $10 million in damages and an injunction preventing the committee from playing Young’s songs. It identifies the song’s use before President Donald Trump took the stage at an Oct. 12 rally in Youngstown, Ohio, and alleges it was also played at other rallies encouraging support for Republican candidates in the midterm elections.
Young’s complaint says the unauthorized use harmed his reputation by implying that he supports Trump. The filing describes the 1989 song as a critique of disparities between American political rhetoric and the experiences of poor, homeless and marginalized people, and says its message is opposed to Trump’s positions.
Young previously sued Donald J. Trump for President Inc. in 2020 over the use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” and “Devil’s Sidewalk” at campaign events. According to the new complaint, that case was settled with a promise that “Rockin’ in the Free World” would not be used again without Young’s permission and a license.
The Trump 47 Committee and other Trump-linked organizations contacted by news outlets had not responded publicly to the new lawsuit.
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