Rock legend Neil Young filed a $10 million copyright infringement lawsuit in federal court in Virginia against the Trump 47 Committee Inc. today, alleging that the campaign unauthorizedly played his 1991 anthem “Rockin’ in the Free World” at an October 12 rally in Youngstown, Ohio.
The Bottom Line
- Neil Young filed a $10 million copyright infringement suit in Virginia federal court today, targeting the Trump 47 Committee Inc. over unauthorized rally music.
- The complaint states that the 1991 hit was played at an October 12 rally in Youngstown, Ohio, and at other midterm campaign events without a license.
- Young previously sued a Trump campaign corporation in 2020 over the same track, which resulted in a quick settlement and a promise not to reuse the song.
The 2026 Virginia Federal Court Filing
The five-page complaint filed by attorneys Scott Simmons and Robert Besser in federal court in Virginia details the latest unauthorized broadcast of the track. According to deadline.com, the filing states that just prior to Donald J. Trump taking the stage in Youngstown, Ohio, the committee caused the song to be played. The legal action claims the committee used the track numerous times at other rallies designed to encourage Republican votes in upcoming midterm elections.
The lawsuit explicitly contrasts the musician’s intent with political campaigning. The complaint describes the track as a blistering anthem that contrasts the hollow promises of American political rhetoric with the harsh realities faced by the poor, homeless, and forgotten. The document adds that Donald J. Trump is personally aware that a license would be required to play the song at rallies and that Young has not, and would not, grant that license.
History of Legal Action and Previous Settlements
This federal action follows a prior legal dispute over the exact same musical work. In 2020, Young sued another corporation formed by Trump, Donald J. Trump For President, Inc., for copyright infringement regarding “Rockin’ in the Free World” alongside another song written by the artist.
According to court filings reported by deadline.com, Donald J. Trump For President, Inc. asserted no defense and immediately settled shortly after being served. That previous settlement included a promise that the campaign would never again use the song without a license and permission from Young. The White House did not respond to deadline.com’s request for comment on the new 2026 complaint.
Neil Young has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Donald Trump, alleging copyright infringement over the ongoing use of Young’s song “Rockin’ in the Free World” as the president’s walk-up music at midterm election rallies.The suit says the classic 1989 song is “a blistering… pic.twitter.com/Ki3BLNOY2z”
Brand Damage Claims and Subsequent Campaign Activity
The legal filing includes specific claims regarding reputational harm stemming from the unauthorized musical accompaniment at campaign events. The complaint asserts that Young has suffered damage to his reputation and brand as a result of the implication that he supports Donald J. Trump in any way.
The dispute arrives as the 80-year-old former president actively posts on social media for struggling GOP candidates ahead of the midterms. Meanwhile, deadline.com noted that Young recently performed at last month’s Farm Aid show in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Neil Young is suing Donald Trump for $10 MILLION over use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” at recent rally.This marks the second lawsuit over the song’s use, despite Trump previously settling the case and allegedly agreeing not to play it without the singer’s permission. pic.twitter.com/66DfNe3RRL
More on Free World
Neil Young Hits Trump With $10M Lawsuit for Playing ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ at Rally — Againhttps://t.co/5eW8Witd5Z
Neil Young Sues Trump for Using "Rockin' in the Free World" at Rally: "The Opposite of Everything Donald J. Trump Stands For" https://t.co/W5tMRpOHHw
