Neil Young, the legendary Canadian-American singer-songwriter known for his outspoken activism and unflinching political views, has once again made headlines—this time with a direct and uncompromising message to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has called on Trump to stop using music without permission and to shift his focus toward addressing the “damage” he believes Trump has caused during his political career.
The confrontation follows a long history of disputes between musicians and politicians over the use of songs at rallies, particularly in the U.S. In Young’s case, the friction dates back to 2015, when Trump first used his hit “Rockin’ in the Free World” during his presidential campaign without the artist’s consent. Young, who has been a vocal critic of Trump’s politics, objected then and continues to voice his opposition years later.
Speaking through his official channels, Young accused Trump of not only infringing on artistic rights but also undermining the values that many musicians stand for. “This isn’t just about music,” Young said. “It’s about respect—respect for artists, for the work they create, and for the people who believe in what that work represents.”
Young’s frustration reflects a broader sentiment in the music industry. Over the years, countless artists—from The Rolling Stones to Adele—have publicly demanded that their songs not be used in political campaigns without authorization, especially by candidates whose values they do not share. For Young, the issue runs even deeper. He sees Trump’s continued use of his music as part of a larger pattern of disregard for rules, norms, and the truth.
In his latest statement, Young urged Trump to “leave musicians alone” and to instead confront what he describes as the “damage” left in the wake of his presidency. While Young did not mince words, his critique was more than a personal grievance—it was a broader political indictment. He cited divisions in American society, environmental rollbacks, and misinformation as legacies that still need addressing.
Trump has rarely shied away from controversy, and it’s unlikely that Young’s comments will deter him from using popular music at his events. However, the public pushback from influential figures like Young continues to highlight a recurring problem in the intersection of politics and entertainment.
The dispute also raises important legal and ethical questions. Under U.S. copyright law, venues that host events typically hold blanket performance licenses through organizations like BMI or ASCAP, allowing them to play a wide range of music. Yet these licenses don’t override an artist’s right to object to the political association their work might imply. This gray area has prompted some performance rights organizations to create mechanisms for artists to opt out of political use entirely—a move that many musicians have embraced.
For Neil Young, the fight is not merely about royalties or licensing—it’s about integrity. “When you play my song at your rally, you’re telling people I stand with you. I don’t,” he said. His message to Trump was clear: stop using his music, and take responsibility for the actions and consequences of his time in office.
In the end, Young’s stance serves as both a defense of artistic rights and a political statement. Whether or not Trump responds, the rock icon’s words have struck a chord, reminding audiences that music, like politics, carries powerful meaning—and those meanings should not be twisted or taken without consent