Singer Neil Young is seeking $10 million from Trump 47 Committee Inc. in a copyright lawsuit over alleged political rally use of “Rockin’ in the Free World,” reviving a dispute involving a different Trump organization in 2020.
The complaint, a copy of which TheWrap obtained and Variety reviewed, says the suit was filed Monday, Oct. 26, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Young seeks $10 million in damages and an order barring further public performances of the song for political purposes. The filing alleges the track played before President Donald Trump took the stage at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on Oct. 12, as well as at other events intended to encourage Republican votes. The allegations have not been decided by a court.
Young’s complaint alleges the committee used the track without a license or his permission. It also alleges Trump knew a license was required. The complaint describes the song as “the opposite of everything that Donald J. Trump stands for.” Young further alleges that the song’s association with Trump harmed his reputation and brand.
The 2020 copyright case concerned “Rockin’ in the Free World” and “Devil’s Sidewalk,” and named Donald J. Trump for President Inc. as the defendant, according to the case docket. The current case names Trump 47 Committee Inc. The Independent reported that the earlier case was dismissed with prejudice.
TheWrap reported that Young’s new complaint says the earlier campaign entity promised not to use the song again without a license and Young’s permission. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) lists Trump 47 Committee Inc. as a joint fundraising committee registered Jan. 31, 2024, with the Republican National Committee and Save America among its current fundraising participants. The Congressional Research Service lists the U.S. midterm general election for Nov. 3.
