Neil Young debuted a new protest song, “Big Crime,” targeting Donald Trump during a Chicago concert with his band Chrome Hearts on August 27, 2025. The song sharply criticizes Trump’s federal control over Washington, D.C., and denounces growing corruption and fascism in the nation’s capital.
With bold lyrics such as “No need for fascist rules” and “There’s big crime in D.C. at the White House,” Young expresses his deep frustration with the existing political power structure. He further condemns the presence of the military in civilian areas with the line, “Don’t want soldiers on our streets,” emphasizing his concern about an authoritarian approach to governance.
Young made the performance of “Big Crime” public by sharing both a video of the live show and an audio soundcheck containing the lyrics on his official Neil Young Archives website. This move illustrates his long-standing commitment to speaking out against what he sees as threats to democracy through his music. While this new track explicitly names Trump, many of Young’s earlier songs contain political and social messages as well.
Earlier this year, Young revealed worries about reentering the U.S. after a European tour. He feared that his vocal opposition to Trump’s immigration policies might lead to restrictions on his travel or even legal consequences. On his archives site, Young warned that critics of Trump, particularly Canadian or dual citizens like himself, risk being barred from the country or facing jail time due to the current political climate.
Young has also publicly responded to Trump’s attacks on other musicians such as Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen. He sharply criticized Trump for focusing his energy on disparaging these artists instead of addressing pressing issues like international conflicts and the government’s failures in disaster responses, including those by FEMA. Despite this criticism, Young acknowledged that Trump has shown admiration for him in the past, describing the singer as a “terrific guy” with a “perfect and haunting” voice.
Currently, Young’s tour continues with a scheduled performance in Milwaukee on August 29. It is set to wrap up at the 40th-anniversary celebration of Farm Aid in Minneapolis, where Young will share the stage with other notable artists, continuing the tradition of raising awareness on social and political issues through music.
The song “Big Crime” is a powerful reflection of Young’s anger and disappointment with the political status quo. Its lyrics unambiguously state that the era of “Make America Great Again” has ended and call for a system “blackout,” symbolizing a demand for major change. This track represents Young’s robust ongoing protest against what he considers threats to democracy and civil rights.
By premiering such a direct and confrontational song live, Young underscores his refusal to remain silent. His music acts as a platform to raise awareness and call for action on key political issues, continuing a legacy of social engagement that has defined much of his career. Through “Big Crime,” he joins other musicians who use their art to confront government policies and leadership they find objectionable.
The significance of Young’s criticism is amplified by the context of his recent statements and actions. His concerns about reentry into the United States highlight heightened tensions toward outspoken critics of the Trump administration. This brings added weight to the message embedded in “Big Crime” and its role as a catalyst for public discourse.
Young’s ability to attract attention to such messages through his concerts and official channels speaks to his lasting influence in both music and activism. Fans and critics alike recognize his willingness to confront contentious topics head-on, using his platform to challenge political power and advocate for democratic values.
As the 2025 tour progresses, audiences can expect Young to continue blending his musical talents with sharp political commentary. The arrival of “Big Crime” signals a renewed vigour in his protest music, many years into a storied career marked by outspoken dissent and artistic courage.
