OMM Newsroom
Rock musician Neil Young has filed a $10 million lawsuit against a fundraising committee supporting US President Donald Trump, alleging that it used his song “Rockin’ in the Free World” without authorization at campaign events. Anadolu Agency reported the case, which NBC News reported on Tuesday.
Filed on Monday in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, the suit names the “Trump 47 Committee” and alleges copyright infringement over repeated use of the song, including at a rally in Ohio on Oct. 12.
Young’s lawyers said the use had harmed his “reputation and brand” by implying that he supported Trump in any way.
The lawsuit describes “Rockin’ in the Free World” as a song that criticizes political rhetoric and social inequality, particularly the conditions faced by poor and marginalized Americans.
Young has previously objected to Trump’s use of his music at political events. In 2020, he sued Trump’s presidential campaign over its use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” and “Devil’s Sidewalk.” The case was settled shortly after it was filed, according to Young’s representatives.
The latest case is part of a broader series of disputes between musicians and Trump over the use of their music at political events.
Young’s legal team argued that the message of “Rockin’ in the Free World” conflicts with Trump’s political positions and said the song should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the president.
