Neil Young sues Trump campaign committee for $10 million over song use

Neil Young has initiated a $10 million copyright action against the Trump 47 Committee, alleging unauthorized use of his song “Rockin’ in the Free World” as walk-up music at midterm campaign rallies. The complaint cites a specific performance at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on Oct. 12, and notes that the track has been played repeatedly at other Republican events. Filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, the suit demands both an injunction to halt future political uses and monetary damages.

Young references a prior 2020 lawsuit against Donald J. Trump for President Inc., which was settled with a pledge to cease using the song, a promise he says was violated. The new filing also argues that the continued use harms Young’s reputation by implying endorsement of the former president. This marks Young’s second legal battle with Trump over the same composition.