Neil Young has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Donald Trump's political fundraising committee, claiming copyright infringement over the use of his song "Rockin' in the Free World" at an Ohio rally. The case, filed in federal court in Virginia on October 26, 2026, alleges that the song was used without permission, despite an earlier legal disagreement and settlement involving Trump's campaign.According to Rolling Stone, Variety, and TheWrap, the complaint is about the song's use at a Trump event in Youngstown, Ohio, on October 12. Young seeks $10 million in damages as well as an injunction to prevent the track from being used for political reasons again.Although the lawsuit focuses on Trump's campaign organization, Trump is not named as an individual defendant in the most recent complaint.Why is Neil Young suing?Neil Young's lawsuit claims that Trump's fundraising organization utilized "Rockin' in the Free World" without a license. The complaint also alleges that Trump was aware that approval would be required, but that Young would not issue it.According to the filing, the 1989 song is an anthem that contrasts the promises of American political discourse with the hardships experienced by the impoverished, homeless, and marginalized. Young and his lawyers say that the song's theme contradicts Trump's political views.According to the lawsuit, the track is "the opposite of everything that Donald J. Trump stands for." Young also claims that the song's use harmed his reputation and brand by giving the impression that he supports Trump.According to Variety, the lawsuit also claims that the song was played repeatedly at other rallies to urge Republican voters in the upcoming midterm elections. Young filed the lawsuit against Trump 47 Committee Inc., a political fundraising committee linked with Trump and the Republican National Committee.The $10 million figure represents the damages that Young is seeking. It has not been awarded, and the claims in the action have yet to be proven in court. Rolling Stone said that the White House, Trump 47 Committee, and Republican National Committee did not immediately respond to requests for comment.What happened in Neil Young's previous lawsuit against Trump?Neil Young's legal battle with Trump over "Rockin' in the Free World" began in 2015, when Trump used the song to declare his candidacy for president at Trump Tower.At the time, Neil Young's representative said that the song had not been approved for use in Trump's presidential campaign. Young, a Canadian citizen, publicly supported Bernie Sanders during the 2016 presidential campaign.The controversy reappeared in 2018 when Trump played the song again. Neil Young publicly objected, urging Trump to cease using his song without permission.In 2020, Young sued a different Trump campaign entity for using "Rockin' in the Free World" and another song. According to the new complaint, the issue was settled immediately after its filing, with the campaign agreeing not to use the track again without a license and Young's permission.The most recent lawsuit claims that the subsequent use of the song violated the original agreement.Can Trump's campaign use a song without an artist's permission?Political campaigns can seek music licenses from performing-rights organizations, which manage permissions for the public playing of musical compositions. However, whether a specific usage is permitted is determined by the conditions of the licence and the circumstances under which the music is performed.A licence for a venue's regular activities does not necessarily cover a political campaign event. Campaigns may require distinct permits, and incorporating a song in a campaign video can generate additional copyright concerns over the musical composition and specific sound recording.The legal issue in Neil Young's case is whether the use of "Rockin' in the Free World" was properly licensed and whether it violated the terms of the previous settlement.The fact that a song is played during a political rally does not necessarily imply copyright infringement. The court will have to assess all relevant rights, permissions, and evidence.Neil Young is one of numerous artists who have publicly objected to Trump's usage of their songs at political events.According to Rolling Stone, artists and rights holders that have objected include Axl Rose, White Stripes, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, Linkin Park, and the estates of Sinéad O'Connor and Tom Petty.Neil Young's most recent lawsuit seeks both financial damages and an order barring further political use of "Rockin' in the Free World." The court's decision will be based on its appraisal of the claimed violation and the earlier settlement.For the time being, the $10 million claim is only a demand in an ongoing legal fight, not a judgment against Trump's campaign group.Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.