Neil Young Unveils Protest Anthem “Big Crime” Targeting Trump’s DC Crackdown

Milwaukee, WI (August 29, 2025) - Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Young surprised fans this week by releasing a hard-hitting protest song titled “Big Crime,” recorded during a soundcheck in Chicago on August 27. The track, which Young and his backing band The Chrome Hearts promptly posted to YouTube on Thursday, takes aim at President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops and assume oversight of Washington, D.C.’s police operations.

In “Big Crime,” Young delivers scathing verses such as: > “Don’t need no fascist rules / don’t want no fascist schools / don’t want soldiers walking on our streets” > “No more money to the fascists, the billionaire fascists / time to blackout the system”

Throughout the chorus, Young repeatedly declares, “There’s big crime in D.C. at the White House,” a direct counterpoint to the administration’s stated rationale of combating a purported surge in violent crime.

The song also subverts Trump’s signature slogan by insisting, “No more great again,” calling for a cleansing of the White House and an end to federal military presence on city streets.

White House Pushback

Shortly after the song’s release, White House Press Secretary Abigail Jackson labeled Young’s track “cringe,” arguing that the president’s measures have already yielded significant crime reductions. Jackson cited an 87% drop in carjackings and a 44% overall decline in violent crime in D.C. following the deployment.

Fan and Critical Reaction

Fans have lauded Young’s unapologetic stance, with many sharing clips of the song across social media platforms. Music critics note that “Big Crime” continues Young’s decades-long tradition of political dissent, standing alongside earlier protest anthems like “Ohio” and “Southern Man.”

Upcoming Performance

Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts are set to perform at BMO Pavilion in Milwaukee on August 29, bringing “Big Crime” to a live audience for likely the first time. Tickets remain available via Ticketmaster.

This bold release marks Neil Young’s latest foray into protest music, underscoring his enduring commitment to speaking truth to power through song and reinforcing his reputation as one of rock’s most steadfast voices of dissent.