Neil Young Sues Trump PAC for $10M Over Campaign Music

Neil Young has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Donald Trump’s political action committee, Trump 47 Committee Inc., alleging copyright infringement over the continued use of his 1989 song “Rockin’ In the Free World” as walk-up music at the President’s mid-term election rallies.

History repeating:

• This is Young’s second lawsuit over Trump’s use of the song at political rallies, following a copyright infringement claim in 2020.

• That case targeted the corporation Donald J. Trump for President Inc., which settled immediately and agreed never to use Young’s songs again without a license and his permission.

• The latest lawsuit alleges the continued use breaches that settlement.

The latest claim:

• Young’s latest lawsuit targets Trump 47 Committee Inc., and was filed on Monday, October 26, in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

• It specifically cites the song’s use at Trump’s rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on October 12, while alleging it has also been played at other rallies “designed to encourage Republican votes in the upcoming mid-term elections.”

Damages:

• Young is seeking an injunction against further public performance of the song for political purposes, along with $10 million in damages for its existing use.

• The lawsuit also alleges that the unauthorized use has damaged Young’s reputation and brand by implying he supports Trump.