Neil Young Responds to Donald Trump’s Takeover of D.C. With Vicious New Protest Song ‘Big Crime

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Neil Young Responds to Donald Trump’s Takeover of D.C. With Vicious New Protest Song ‘Big Crime

Legendary rocker Neil Young isn’t backing down from speaking his truth through music. On Wednesday night at Chicago’s Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, Young and his band the Chrome Hearts electrified the crowd with a powerful set filled with timeless classics and urgent protest anthems. But it was the debut of a brand-new song, “Big Crime,” that had fans buzzing.

The fiery track takes direct aim at Donald Trump and his administration’s policies, making it one of Young’s boldest political statements in years. With lyrics like “Don’t need no fascist rules / Don’t want no fascist school / Don’t want soldiers on our streets / There’s big crime in D.C. at the White House” — the song calls out authoritarianism and corruption in Washington, D.C.

Neil Young’s “Big Crime”: A Protest Anthem for 2025

“Big Crime” isn’t subtle. It’s a raw, unapologetic anthem that channels Young’s signature blend of folk storytelling and blistering rock energy. The song warns against “billionaire fascists” and urges listeners to “blackout the system,” underscoring Young’s long-standing role as a voice of protest in American music.

The performance in Chicago was captured on video and has already made its way to YouTube, while Young himself uploaded a soundcheck version and complete lyrics to the Neil Young Archives. Fans can experience both the rehearsal and live debut, making this one of the most documented premieres of a Neil Young protest song in recent years.

The Setlist: Protest Music Old and New

While “Big Crime” stood out for its sharp focus on Trump, the concert included several other politically charged songs from Young’s career. Classics like “Southern Man,” “Ohio,” “Sun Green,” and “Be the Rain” highlighted his decades-long commitment to activism through music.

It was a reminder that Neil Young’s message hasn’t wavered: from Vietnam protests to climate activism, and now to Trump’s Washington, Young continues to stand as one of rock’s most outspoken voices.

Neil Young’s Concerns About Trump’s America

This isn’t the first time Neil Young has clashed with Trump. Earlier this year, he expressed fears that his outspoken criticism could complicate his return to the U.S. after touring abroad. As a dual Canadian-American citizen, Young worried that dissenting voices could face retaliation.

“If I talk about Donald J. Trump, I may be one of those returning to America who is barred or put in jail,” Young wrote on his Archives. He compared the situation to countries issuing warnings for travelers returning to the United States, emphasizing the climate of fear that has developed around political dissent.

In another fiery post, Young joined the chorus of musicians defending Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen after Trump publicly attacked them. “Bruce and thousands of musicians think you are ruining America,” he wrote. “Taylor Swift is right. So is Bruce. You know how I feel.”

A Complicated Relationship: Trump and Neil Young

Oddly enough, Donald Trump has long been a Neil Young fan. In a 2008 interview with Rolling Stone, Trump described Young’s voice as “perfect and haunting” and praised his music as “something very special.” He even admitted to attending Young’s concerts.

That complicated history adds another layer of irony to “Big Crime,” as Young now publicly scorches the very man who once admired him.

The Road Ahead: Farm Aid and Beyond

Neil Young’s tour isn’t stopping in Chicago. He’s headed to Milwaukee’s BMO Pavilion on Friday, continuing through September before wrapping up at the 40th Anniversary Farm Aid Concert on September 20 in Minneapolis. Sharing the stage with icons like Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Steve Earle, and Kenny Chesney, the event promises to be a historic celebration of activism and music.

And with “Big Crime” now part of his live set, fans can expect even more powerful performances in the weeks ahead.

Why “Big Crime” Matters

Neil Young has always believed music can be a tool for change. From “Ohio” in 1970 to his environmental calls to action in the 2000s, Young’s catalog is proof that protest songs can endure long after the political battles that inspired them.

“Big Crime” arrives at a pivotal moment in American history, where political divisions, protests, and cultural clashes dominate headlines. By calling out what he sees as authoritarianism and corruption in Washington, Young is ensuring his voice — and his music — remain part of the national conversation.