Neil Young Sues Trump 47 Committee Over 'Rockin' in the Free World'
Neil Young has sued Trump 47 Committee Inc for $10 million, alleging that the group used his song "Rockin' in the Free World" without permission. According to The Guardian, the suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The filing was made on October 26, 2026, according to AOL.
The case rests on copyright infringement, which is the legal term for using a creative work without the permission of the person who owns its rights. The lawsuit alleges that Donald Trump played the song as walk-up music at recent midterm election rallies. It cites a rally in Ohio on October 12 and says the song was played numerous times at other rallies meant to encourage Republican votes in the upcoming midterm elections.
Young is seeking an injunction, a court order that would bar further public performances of the song by Trump. The suit also says Young suffered damage to his reputation and brand from the implication that he supports Donald J. Trump.
This is the second time Young has sued a Trump organization over unlicensed use of the song. In 2020, he sued Donald J Trump for President Inc over the same issue. That case was settled with the organization promising it would never again use "Rockin' in the Free World" without Young's license and permission, according to the new suit. The Variety and Independent reports say the new complaint argues that continued playing of the song breaches that settlement.
