Neil Young Claims $10 Million From Trump 47 Coalition Over Rally Song

Neil Young is seeking $10 million in damages from the Trump 47 Coalition over the use of 'Rockin' in the Free World' at a recent political rally. The federal lawsuit, filed on Monday, marks the second legal action the musician has taken regarding this specific track.

The complaint characterizes the song as a 'blistering anthem' that contrasts political rhetoric with the realities of poverty. The filing argues that the lyrics and chorus present an irony that is the 'opposite of everything that Donald J. Trump stands for.'

Young's legal team asserts that the coalition committed copyright infringement by playing the track without a license. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.

This dispute follows a 2020 lawsuit against the Donald J. Trump for President group. In that previous case, the campaign settled shortly after being served with the complaint. The new filing notes that the earlier settlement included a promise that Trump's team would not use the song without permission again.

The suit positions Young as a vocal critic of the current administration. Last year, the dual Canadian and American citizen expressed concern that the president might block his reentry to the United States during a European tour.

The legal move aligns Young with other musicians who have clashed with the president, including Bruce Springsteen, Jack White, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo. The coalition now faces a federal court process to determine if the settlement terms were breached.

The case is scheduled for initial review in federal court. Young's team will likely present evidence of the song's use at the rally and the financial impact of the unlicensed performance. The coalition will have an opportunity to file an answer to the complaint.