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Neil Young Really Wants Trump to Stop Playing “Rockin’ in the Free World”
Neil Young has filed a copyright lawsuit over the use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” at a Trump rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on 12 October. The case names the Trump 47 Committee, which organised the event, rather than Donald Trump, and argues that the song was played without authorisation.
Young is seeking $10 million in damages and wants the committee and associated events to stop playing his songs. The lawsuit describes the 1991 protest anthem as opposed to Trump’s politics. Young previously settled a 2020 case over campaign use of the song and “Devil’s Sidewalk”, but says the earlier agreement does not cover the separately organised Trump 47 Committee.
In short
- Neil Young is suing over unauthorised use of his song at a Trump rally.
- He seeks $10 million and a ban on future use of his songs.
- A settlement with Trump’s 2020 campaign does not cover this committee.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Young’s strongest case is that copyright law gives songwriters control over how their work is used, and that playing the song at a political rally without permission may imply an association he rejects. Seeking damages and an order against further use could protect both his rights and his ability to decide whether his music supports a campaign.
The case against
The committee’s strongest case would be that the rally use was covered by a licence or other authorisation, or that the earlier settlement affects how the new claim should be assessed; the facts provided do not establish whether either argument applies. It could also argue that the requested damages or broad restriction on future events exceeds what the alleged unauthorised use warrants, while recognising Young’s right to challenge it.
Explained simply
Neil Young is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter whose songs have sometimes been used at political events. “Rockin’ in the Free World”, released in 1989, is widely understood as a protest song, though its lyrics also describe social problems in the United States.
US copyright law gives creators rights over how their music is used, including in some public settings. Political campaigns often seek permission to play songs at rallies, and musicians can object if they believe a use is unauthorised.
The Trump 47 Committee organised the Ohio rally and is named in the case. Young had previously reached an agreement over campaign use of two songs, but says that agreement did not cover this committee.
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