Neil Young sues Trump 47 Committee for $10m over song use

Neil Young has filed a second lawsuit against Donald Trump’s political action committee, Trump 47 Committee Inc, seeking $10 million in damages for the unauthorised use of his song “Rockin’ in the Free World” at recent mid‑term election rallies.

The claim alleges copyright infringement, asserting that the former US president employed the track as walk‑up music without obtaining a licence or permission from the musician.

This action follows a 2020 lawsuit filed by Young against the corporation Donald J Trump for President Inc, which was settled after Trump agreed that his organisation would never again use the song without Young’s consent.

Young’s current suit seeks reputational damages, citing the earlier settlement in which Trump pledged not to use the song again.

Legal background

The new filing underscores ongoing disputes over the use of copyrighted material in political campaigns, highlighting the importance of securing proper licences.

Source: The Guardian. Photo: KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA / Pexels.