Neil Young, the Canadian musician and vocal critic of former president Donald Trump, has launched a second legal action over the use of his song Rockin’ in the Free World at campaign events. The new lawsuit, filed against the Trump 47 Committee Inc, seeks $10 million (about £7.47 million) in damages, which Young’s complaint characterises as harm to his reputation stemming from the alleged copyright infringement.
Background
According to the complaint, the alleged use occurred at recent midterm election rallies where the song was played as walk-up music for Trump. The filing notes that this is not the first time Young has taken action: he brought a suit in 2020 against Donald J. Trump for President Inc, which was resolved by a settlement. Young’s current suit says that settlement included a promise that the organisation "would never again use Rockin’ in the Free World without a license and permission from Young".
Legal claims and relief sought
The new action accuses the Trump 47 Committee of violating Young’s copyright and seeks monetary relief for reputational damages. The complaint frames the matter as both an infringement of Young’s intellectual property rights and a breach of the earlier agreement, as described in his filing. Young has been an outspoken critic of Trump, and the case underscores long-running disputes between the artist and the former president’s organisations over the music’s use.
Implications
The suit places renewed attention on the use of popular music at political events and the obligations campaigns and affiliated committees have under copyright law and prior agreements. The Trump 47 Committee has not been reported as responding to the new complaint in the material provided; such cases can lead to settlements or protracted litigation depending on how parties proceed. For Young, the litigation follows earlier public efforts by artists to control how their work is used in political contexts.