Neil Young calls out Trump for still playing his songs at political rallies with 'no regard' for his rights
The 'Heart of Gold' hitmaker Neil Young had previously made his feelings clear about President Donald Trump when he explicitly stated "This is not OK with me," following the Trump campaign's decision to use Young's music at the commander-in-chief's latest political rallies. At Trump's recent Fourth of July rally at Mount Rushmore (South Dakota), Young's famous songs 'Rockin’ in the Free World', 'Cowgirl in the Sand' and 'Like a Hurricane' could be heard playing over the PA systems, despite Young's previous objections to Trump using his music back in 2015. And now the Canadian-American singer, who recently became a US citizen in January, has followed up on his open letter in February (where he labeled Trump a "disgrace to my country") with another stinging missive.
In his latest open letter to Trump, which the veteran rocker had penned earlier this week, he took square aim at the president and told him exactly what he thought of him, in no uncertain terms. “Although I have repeatedly asked you to please not use my music because it indicates that I support your agenda, you have always played my songs anyway at your gatherings, with no regard for my rights, even calling me names on Twitter” he began. The latter remark was presumably referring to Trump labeling him a "hypocrite" alongside a photo of the two shaking hands, which had been shared on the social media platform back in 2015. Young continued, "I did notice that you played my music at your latest rally in Dakota despite my previous requests."
However, because the singer did not want to derail the government's efforts in battling the ongoing coronavirus situation, he decided he was not going to pursue legal action. "Because you are in charge of the COVID-19 response here in the USA, I will not sue you, (as certainly is my right) potentially distracting from your important work at hand protecting and saving American lives,” he revealed. He then told the president, “With the enormous power you wield on our behalf, I wish you all the best in your critical battle to save American souls from this threat. I know you will do your best for all Americans, regardless of political leanings. I give you my encouragement in your efforts to Unify America."
However, he did have a parting shot for Trump nonetheless, asking him to listen to Young's recently updated 2006 song 'Looking For A Leader', with lyrics that roundly criticized Trump. "I suggest you listen to my song 'Looking For A Leader 2020' available on my website, neilyoungarchives.com, as part of a work I recently completed with my wife - The Porch Episode," he remarked, before quipping: "I believe it would be an interesting addition to your next rally." Looks like Trump is going to have to face the music instead of turning a deaf ear to Young this time around.