Legendary musician Neil Young has once again channeled his political activism into music with the debut of his latest protest song, "Big Crime." The track was unveiled during a concert at Chicago's Huntington Bank Pavilion on August 27, 2025, as part of his "Love Earth" tour with his band, The Chrome Hearts. (nme.com)
"Big Crime" serves as a direct critique of President Donald Trump's recent actions in Washington, D.C. Earlier this month, Trump declared a "crime emergency" in the capital, assuming control over the city's police force and deploying National Guard troops—a move he justified as necessary to combat rising crime rates. However, statistics from the Metropolitan Police Department indicate that violent crime had reached a 30-year low prior to this intervention. (indianexpress.com)
In the song, Young delivers pointed lyrics:
"Don't need no fascist rules / Don't want no fascist schools / Don't want soldiers on our streets / There's big crime in D.C. at the White House." (consequence.net)
He further calls for action against what he describes as "billionaire fascists," urging listeners to "blackout the system." (consequence.net)
The White House responded to Young's critique through spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, who dismissed the song as "cringe" and suggested that Young should engage with D.C. residents who have benefited from the administration's policies. (news.meaww.com)
This isn't the first time Young has used his music as a platform for political commentary. His 2025 album, "Talkin' to the Trees," includes tracks like "Let's Roll Again," which critiques figures such as Elon Musk. Young's history of protest songs dates back to classics like "Ohio," reflecting his enduring commitment to addressing social and political issues through his art. (elpais.com)
The debut of "Big Crime" has sparked widespread discussion, highlighting the intersection of music and politics and reaffirming Young's role as a vocal critic of the current administration.