Neil Young Targets Trump 47 Coalition Over Use of Anti-Political Anthem
The musician is seeking $10 million in damages after his song was played at a recent political rally without a license.
By Alessia Diallo ·
A conflict over intellectual property rights has escalated between a legendary rock musician and a presidential political organization. Neil Young has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump 47 Coalition. The suit alleges that the group used his song “Rockin’ in the Free World” at a recent rally without obtaining permission. Young is seeking $10 million in damages for this alleged copyright infringement.
The complaint was filed in federal court on Monday. In the document, Young’s legal team describes the track as a powerful anthem. They state that the song contrasts the empty promises of political rhetoric with the difficult realities faced by the poor and homeless. The suit argues that the lyrics create vivid street-level portraits. These include a mother discarding her baby and addicts lost in despair. The filing claims the repeated chorus celebrates a freedom that is not shared by all.
Young’s team asserts that the song is the opposite of everything Donald J. Trump stands for. The core of the legal argument is that Trump did not have a license for the track. This lack of licensing forms the basis for the copyright infringement claim. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the new lawsuit.
This is the second time Young has taken legal action over the use of this specific song. In 2020, he sued a different Trump organization, Donald J. Trump for President. Young referenced that earlier case in the new filing. He stated that the previous team asserted no defense. They settled shortly after the suit was served. According to Young, they promised never to use the song again without a license and permission.
The dispute adds to a pattern of tension between the music industry and the current administration. Young is one of the most vocal critics of the Trump administration in entertainment. Last year, the dual citizen of America and Canada expressed worry that Trump would bar him from returning to the country. This concern arose while he was on a European tour. Trump has also had public disagreements with other musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Jack White, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo.
The new lawsuit seeks to enforce the terms of the previous settlement. Young argues that the Trump 47 Coalition violated the promise made in 2020. The $10 million figure represents the specific amount of damages requested in the federal complaint. The case now moves into the federal court system for review.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
