Chicago
Rock legend Neil Young has released a new protest song titled Big Crime, directly criticising former US President Donald Trump and his recent declaration of a “crime emergency” in Washington, D.C. The track, recorded during a sound check in Chicago with his band Chrome Hearts, was later shared on his YouTube channel.
Protest through music
In the song, Young denounces Trump’s October decision to deploy the National Guard and federalise the city’s police force. His sharp lyrics target authoritarianism and corporate influence, with lines such as “don’t need no fascist rules,” “don’t want soldiers walking on the streets,” and “no more money to the billionaire fascists.” He also rebukes Trump’s famous slogan by declaring “no more great again.”
A history of clashes
This is not the first time Young has taken aim at Trump. Over the years, he has strongly objected to the use of his music at campaign rallies, including his iconic track Rockin’ in the Free World. In 2020, he even updated his earlier song Lookin’ for a Leader to criticise Trump directly. Though he once sued over unauthorised use of his music, he later withdrew the case.
Message and impact
Big Crime reaffirms Young’s long-standing commitment to politically charged music. It highlights his opposition to policies he sees as threatening democracy and personal freedoms. Beyond its musical impact, the song doubles as a rallying cry against authoritarian tendencies, reinforcing Young’s role as one of rock’s most outspoken protest voices.