The Neil Young lawsuit seeks US$10 million over a Trump fundraising committee’s alleged unlicensed use of ‘Rockin’ In The Free World’, alongside restrictions covering other compositions he owns.
Neil Young has filed a US$10 million copyright lawsuit against Trump 47 Committee, Inc., alleging it played ‘Rockin’ In The Free World’ without authorisation before Donald Trump took the stage at an Ohio political rally.
The complaint, filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on 26 October 2026, centres on a 12 October rally in Youngstown. Trump is not personally named as a defendant.
Young alleges the committee had neither a licence nor his permission to use the song. He also claims the use damaged his reputation by implying he supported Trump.
Young has publicly criticised Trump before. As BLUNT previously reported, he defended Bruce Springsteen in May 2025 after the musician’s criticism of Trump prompted a backlash from the president.
Alongside damages, Young is seeking preliminary and permanent injunctions barring the defendants and people acting under their direction from publicly performing ‘Rockin’ In The Free World’ or any other musical compositions he owns. He also wants to prevent the song being played at events arranged by the committee.
The filing returns to Young’s earlier lawsuit against a separate entity, Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. According to the new complaint, that company settled the 2020 dispute and promised not to use the song again without a licence and Young’s permission.
The December 2020 dismissal notice confirms Young voluntarily dismissed that action with prejudice, with each party bearing its own costs. It does not set out settlement terms or record a ruling that the campaign infringed his copyright.
Performing rights organisation BMI explains that its ordinary venue licences do not cover political campaign events. It offers a separate political entities licence, which also allows works to be excluded following objections from songwriters or publishers. That guidance explains the broader licensing framework; it does not establish what permissions the committee held in this case.
In its 27 October report, Rolling Stone AU/NZ said the White House, Trump 47 Committee and Republican National Committee had not immediately answered its requests for comment.
The Neil Young lawsuit seeks both compensation and restrictions on future use. The US$10 million demand and proposed injunctions remain requests before the court.
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