Neil Young Seeks $10m From Trump Committee Over Rally Song Use

Canadian-American rock musician Neil Young has filed a $10 million lawsuit against a political committee supporting US President Donald Trump, accusing it of using his song “Rockin’ in the Free World” at campaign rallies without his permission.

The lawsuit was filed on Monday, October 26, 2026, in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. It names Trump 47 Committee Inc., a political fundraising organisation associated with the president, as the defendant.

According to the complaint, the song was played before Trump took the stage at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on October 12. Young alleges that the committee used the track without obtaining the necessary licence or his authorisation, despite his longstanding objections to the use of his music at Trump political events.

The musician is seeking $10 million in damages and an injunction to prevent the committee from playing “Rockin’ in the Free World” or other songs from his catalogue at events it organises or supports. The complaint argues that the unauthorised use could damage Young’s reputation by creating the impression that he supports Trump politically.

Young, 80, has repeatedly criticised the president and has said the message of “Rockin’ in the Free World” is fundamentally opposed to Trump’s political outlook. Released in 1989, the song addresses social hardship and the contrast between the ideals of freedom and the difficulties faced by disadvantaged people.

The latest legal action revives a dispute that dates back several years. In 2020, Young and his publishing company sued Donald J. Trump for President Inc. over the use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” and another song, “Devil’s Sidewalk”, at campaign rallies.

That lawsuit was later dismissed following a settlement. According to the new complaint, the earlier agreement included a promise that the campaign organisation would not use “Rockin’ in the Free World” without Young’s permission.

Young now argues that the song’s continued use at political events violates his rights. However, the latest lawsuit names Trump 47 Committee Inc., a separate organisation from the one involved in the 2020 case, raising a legal question about the relationship between the two disputes.

The complaint also alleges that Trump was aware that permission was required to play the song at rallies. The claims have not yet been tested in court, and the filing does not establish that the defendant has infringed copyright.

The White House and the Republican National Committee had not publicly responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting, according to media reports.

Young is among several high-profile musicians who have objected to their music being used at Trump political events. Other artists and estates, including the Rolling Stones, Rihanna and the estate of Prince, have previously raised objections to the use of their songs in political settings.

The case is expected to test the legal and licensing issues surrounding the use of copyrighted music by political organisations, particularly when an artist has publicly opposed the candidate using the music.

No ruling has been issued in the latest case.