This past Friday (7/3), Trump held a Fourth of July event at Mount Rushmore and was met by protests from indigenous people and allies because Mount Rushmore is a symbol of oppression and because the Black Hills mountain rage where Rushmore is located is sacred to the Lakota people. Trump also played two of Neil Young's songs over the PA at the event (including "Rockin' in the Free World," which is not about what Trump thinks it's about), despite Neil previously insisting Trump not play his music at events. Neil tweeted "I stand in solidarity with the Lakota Sioux & this is NOT ok with me" on Friday, and now he has given a lengthier reply to Trump in an open letter on the Neil Young Archives website. It begins:
Dear Mr. President:
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.
I did notice that you played my music at your latest rally in Dakota despite by previous requests.
Because you are in charge of the COVID-19 response here in the USA, I will not sue (as certainly is my right) potentially distracting from your important work at hand protecting and saving American lives. 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.