Neil Young Voices Concerns About U.S. Re-entry After European Tour
In a candid expression of his fears, Neil Young has articulated worries that his vocal criticisms of former President Donald Trump, alongside his Canadian roots, might impede his ability to return to the United States after touring Europe this summer.
Young remarked, “When I go to play music in Europe, if I talk about Donald J. Trump, I may be one of those returning to America who is barred or put in jail to sleep on a cement floor with an aluminum blanket,” as he addressed his anxieties on his website. This statement seems to allude to the Trump administration’s history of cracking down on dissent, including the deportation of student activists.
Upcoming Tour and Citizenship Status
Scheduled to kick off his European concert dates in June, Young’s U.S. tour will follow with performances beginning in Charlotte in August. Although he became a U.S. citizen in 2020, his apprehensions remain that this status may not afford him adequate protection in the current political climate.
He expressed great concern for his fans: “If I come back from Europe and am barred, can’t play my USA tour, all of the folks who bought tickets will not be able to come to a concert by me,” he noted. Young emphasized the shifting landscape: “That’s right folks, if you say anything bad about Trump or his administration, you may be barred from re-entering the USA. If you are Canadian. If you are a dual citizen like me, who knows? We’ll all find that out together.”
Voices of Dissent in the Music Community
Young’s concerns mirror those of many musicians who have openly criticized Trump since his election. For instance, Selena Gomez shared an emotional video denouncing the deportations of undocumented immigrants in January. Likewise, Madonna condemned the Trump administration for “slowly dismantling all the Freedoms we have been fighting for.” Billie Eilish publicly voiced her opposition during a concert, lamenting the election of “someone who hates women so, so deeply.”
The Essence of Freedom of Speech
Reflecting on his fears, Young declared, “If the fact that I think Donald Trump is the worst president in the history of our great country could stop me from coming back, what does that say for freedom?” He emphasized his love for America and its vibrant culture, stating, “I love America and its people and its music and its culture.”
Young concluded his strong statement with a critique of the government’s recent actions, suggesting that they threaten free expression: “By these latest actions of our US government, it seems that those who speak out freely with their own opinions are now vulnerable to a non-existent Trump law.” He powerfully reminded readers, “One country, indivisible, with Liberty and Freedom for all. Remember that? I do.”