Neil Young files second copyright suit against Trump 47 Coalition
The musician demands $10 million in damages for the unlicensed use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” at a recent political rally.
By Mateo Thompson ·
Neil Young has filed a second lawsuit against Donald Trump’s political action committee, seeking $10 million in damages for the unlicensed use of his song “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
The complaint was submitted to federal court on Monday. Young’s legal team argues that the Trump 47 Coalition used the track at a recent rally without a license. The suit characterizes the song as a “blistering anthem” that contrasts political rhetoric with the realities faced by the poor and homeless. The document states that the lyrics depict street-level portraits and that the chorus delivers “savage irony.” Young’s team concluded that the song is the opposite of what Trump represents.
This legal action follows a similar dispute in 2020. In that case, Young sued the group Donald J. Trump for President over the same song. The new filing notes that the 2020 team did not assert a defense. They settled shortly after receiving the complaint and promised never to use the track without permission again. Young claims the recent rally use violated that promise.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the new suit. Young is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. He has been a vocal critic of the current administration. Last year, while on a European tour, he expressed concern that Trump might ban him from re-entering the country. The president has also clashed with other musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Jack White, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo.
The case is now pending in federal court. The Trump 47 Coalition must respond to the complaint. The $10 million figure represents the specific amount Young is seeking for the copyright infringement.
