Neil Young has filed a second lawsuit against Donald Trump over the use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” at political events, seeking $10 million in damages. The new filing alleges Trump continued to play the song in violation of a settlement reached in 2020.
A repeat dispute over the same song
Young’s first suit over the song’s use at campaign rallies was filed in 2020 and settled in December of that year. According to the new complaint, Trump has kept playing the track in breach of the terms of that settlement.
The latest case was filed in the District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia. It describes the 1989 song this way:
“a blistering anthem that contrasts the hollow promises of American political rhetoric with the harsh realities faced by the poor, homeless, and forgotten. In short, the song is the opposite of everything Donald J. Trump stands for.”
What the filing seeks
The complaint states: “Among other things, Young has suffered damage to his reputation and brand as a result of the implication that he supports Donald J. Trump in any way.” It asks the court for:
- An injunction against further public performance of the song for political purposes
- $10 million in damages for the existing use and for violation of the terms of the previous settlement
Licensing background
Performance rights for music played at major venues are typically acquired through a blanket license issued to the venue itself, rather than to the party holding the event. As a result, Trump may not need explicit permission from artists such as Young to play their music at political rallies. The alleged breach of the earlier settlement, however, could give Young a separate basis for his claims.
