The musician alleges that a Trump political committee used “Rockin’ in the Free World” without permission, despite an earlier settlement involving the song.
By The Midtown Times Staff
October 28, 2026
Neil Young has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Trump 47 Committee Inc., alleging the political organization repeatedly used his song “Rockin’ in the Free World” at President Donald Trump’s midterm campaign rallies without authorization.
The complaint, filed Monday, marks Young’s second legal challenge over the use of the 1989 song at Trump events. Young previously sued Trump in 2020 over the track, and that dispute was settled. The new filing alleges that the committee resumed using the song in violation of the earlier agreement.
Young’s lawsuit describes the song as a protest anthem criticizing political promises that fail to address the hardships faced by people living in poverty or experiencing homelessness. The filing says the lyrics portray social neglect and hardship amid broader claims of national prosperity.
The case will turn on the terms of the prior settlement and whether the committee’s alleged use of the song violated copyright protections. The lawsuit’s claims have not been resolved in court, and the excerpt provided did not include a response from Trump 47 Committee Inc.
Young has long objected to politicians using his music without permission. The new case renews a broader debate over artists’ rights to control how their work is used in political campaigns.
