Neil Young recently sued Donald Trump’s political action coalition Trump 47 Coalition over the president’s use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” at a political rally, marking the second time Young has sued over Trump’s use of the song in the past few years.
In the complaint filed in federal court on Monday, Young’s team called the song “a blistering anthem” that contrasts the empty promises of American political rhetoric and the harsh realities faced by the poor, the homeless and the forgotten.
The suit said, “The lyrics paint vivid street-level pictures – a mother abandoning her child, lost in drug-addicted despair, piled high in garbage in the shadow of prosperity – while the repeated chorus presents a cruel irony, celebrating freedoms that are clearly not shared by all.” “In short, this song is the opposite of everything Donald J. Trump stands for.”
Young accused Trump of copyright infringement because he did not have a license for the track and Young is seeking $10 million in damages. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This is not the first time that Young has sued over the president’s use of “Rockin’ in the Free World”, most notably, Young sued another Trump group, Donald J. Similar legal action was taken against Trump. Young referenced that earlier lawsuit in the new filing, saying Monday that Trump’s team “did not raise any defense and settled immediately after it was served, promising never to use ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ again without Young’s license and permission.”
Young is one of the most staunch critics of the Trump administration in the entertainment industry. Last year, Young, a dual citizen of the US and Canada, expressed concerns that Trump would bar him from returning to the country while he was on his European tour. Trump has proven unpopular with many musicians, having feuded with other musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Jack White, Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo.