Neil Young slaps Donald Trump with $10 million copyright infringement lawsuit

Neil Young has been telling Donald Trump to stop using his song Rockin’ in the Free World for his campaign since 2015. After legal action in 2020, it seemed his team and lawyers had gotten the message, as the song was no longer used. But that changed when the song was once again played on October 12, 2026, at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio.

Now, Young has slapped Trump with a $10 million copyright infringement lawsuit over the continued use of his song. His lawyers filed a five-page complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on October 26, 2026.

Trump’s history with ‘Rockin’ in the Free World‘

The Trump team first used Young’s 1991 hit in 2015, when Trump took the stage to announce he was running for president. In response, per Deadline, Young released a statement that said, “Donald Trump was not authorized to use Rockin’ In The Free World in his presidential candidacy announcement. Neil Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders for President of the United States Of America.” However, the Trump campaign alleged that it had obtained a license through the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Then, in 2020, Young filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Trump for the unauthorized use of both Rockin’ in the Free World and Devil’s Sidewalk at a rally in Tulsa (no one can say Young doesn’t stand by his principles). The lawsuit alleged that the Trump campaign had “wilfully ignored” Young’s requests not to use his songs and sought an injunction.

The lawsuit also reportedly stated, “This complaint is not intended to disrespect the rights and opinions of American citizens, who are free to support the candidate of their choosing. However, Plaintiff in good conscience cannot allow his music to be used as a ‘theme song’ for a divisive, un-American campaign of ignorance and hate.” According to Reuters, that lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice.

Young’s most recent lawsuit alleges unauthorized use once again

The newest copyright infringement lawsuit may be short, but even though Young has feared touring bans in the past due to his criticism of the Trump administration, it has a lot to say.

Besides stating the facts from Young’s side, the lawsuit states, “Rockin’ in the Free World is a blistering anthem that contrasts the hollow promises of American political rhetoric with the harsh realities faced by the poor, homeless and forgotten. The lyrics paint vivid street-level portraits – a mother discarding her baby, addicts lost in despair, garbage piling in the shadows of prosperity – while the repeated chorus delivers a savage irony, celebrating freedom that clearly isn’t shared by all. In short, the Song is the opposite of everything that Donald J. Trump stands for.”

Before asking for relief, the lawsuit also alleges, “Young has suffered damage to his reputation and brand as a result of the implication that he supports Donald J. Trump in any way.”

In addition to the $10 million, Young’s lawsuit seeks attorney’s fees and a permanent injunction barring the Trump team from using this or any other of Young’s songs.

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