Neil Young Renews Legal Fight Over Trump Rally Song Use

WHO:

BBC - Neil Young sued the Trump campaign over the use of his song.

CNBC - The defendant is the Trump 47 Committee; the lawsuit names President Donald Trump and says he “was personally aware that a license would be required” to play the song at rallies.

CNBC - Young is 80, was born in Canada, and is a naturalized U.S. citizen. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist and as a member of Buffalo Springfield, and was also a member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

AllHipHop - The lawsuit is against Donald Trump 47 Committee Inc.

WHAT:

CNBC - Young filed a $10 million copyright-infringement lawsuit alleging that “Rockin’ in the Free World” was played without his permission before Trump spoke at a rally.

AllHipHop - Young alleged that his song was played without permission at an Ohio rally and sought $10 million.

BBC - The five-page federal lawsuit says Young “has not, and would not, grant the required license” and that the song was played “numerous times at other rallies.”

CNBC - The lawsuit alleges the song was played at other rallies “designed to encourage Republican votes in the upcoming mid-term elections.”

CNBC - Young’s earlier lawsuit alleged unauthorized use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” and “Devil’s Sidewalk.” The Trump corporation asserted no defense and settled shortly after being served, promising not to use “Rockin’ in the Free World” again without Young’s license and permission.

CNBC - Young released “Rockin’ in the Free World” in 1989.

WHERE:

CNBC - The rally took place in Youngstown, Ohio; the lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Richmond, Virginia.

CNBC - Young’s earlier case was brought in Manhattan federal court.

CNBC - Young performed alongside Bob Dylan at Hyde Park in London, England.

WHEN:

CNBC - The rally was held on Oct. 12.

CNBC - The new lawsuit says it was filed Monday.

CNBC - Young filed his earlier lawsuit in 2020.

CNBC - Young performed with Bob Dylan at Hyde Park on July 12, 2019.

WHY:

CNBC - Young sued over alleged copyright infringement, saying the song was played without his permission or the required license.

HOW:

CNBC - The song was played just before Trump took the stage to speak at the rally.

CNBC - CNBC requested comment from the Trump 47 Committee and Young’s lawyers. The White House referred CNBC to the Republican National Committee, which did not immediately respond.

(UPDATED October 28, 2026 10:59 UTC)

Neil Young has filed a $10 million copyright lawsuit against the Trump 47 Committee, alleging that “Rockin’ in the Free World” was played without permission before President Trump spoke at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio. The suit names Trump and says he knew a license was required, while alleging the song was also played at other rallies; Young says he would not have granted permission. Young previously sued over unauthorized use of his music, and that case was settled with a promise not to play “Rockin’ in the Free World” without his permission.