Neil Young's New Song Targets Trump, Musk

Rock legend Neil Young has re-entered the political arena with a new protest song sharply criticizing both Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The song, debuted over the weekend at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, serves as both a call to action for American automakers and a pointed commentary on contemporary political divides.

Young, known for decades of politically charged music including his 1991 hit “Rockin’ in the Free World,” presented the new track, titled “Let’s Roll Again,” as a “rallying cry” for the auto industry. Lyrics urge Ford, GM, and Chrysler to innovate, with a plea for “real clean” technology. However, the song’s most striking lines directly address the current political climate.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Young delivered a particularly biting verse: “If you’re a fascist, get a Tesla/ It’s electric, it doesn’t matter.” This is juxtaposed with a line aimed at those on the opposite side of the spectrum: “If you’re a Democrat, taste your freedom/ Get whatever you want, taste your freedom.”

The dual American-Canadian citizen, formerly of Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, has long been a proponent of sustainable automotive technology. In 2008, he founded Linc Volt Technology, dedicated to converting gas-powered vehicles to cleaner alternatives. He demonstrated this commitment by personally retrofitting a 1959 Lincoln Continental, a Mercedes-Benz, and even a Hummer to run on electric batteries and/or used vegetable oil.

This latest song feels particularly relevant given the increasing polarization of American politics and the growing prominence of figures like Musk and Trump. While some may view it as overly simplistic to link vehicle preference to political ideology, Young’s intent appears to be a provocative commentary on consumerism and its relationship to political alignment. It’s a bold move for an artist who has consistently used his platform to advocate for social and environmental change.

Young is scheduled to headline the Glastonbury Festival and embark on a European and North American tour this summer. He recently expressed concerns on his website about potential repercussions for criticizing Trump while touring abroad, suggesting he could be barred from re-entering the United States. A clip of the new song is available on YouTube.