Hollywood icon Daryl Hannah has shed light on a troubling chapter in the life of her legendary husband, Neil Young. In a revealing interview with the BBC, Hannah claimed that the Trump administration used bureaucratic roadblocks to frustrate Young’s efforts to gain American citizenship — despite him being a longtime resident and taxpayer in the country.
🇨🇦 From Canada With Love – Neil Young’s Path to Dual Citizenship
Neil Young, the iconic Canadian-born rocker and activist, began his career on American soil in the late 1960s, contributing significantly to the American music scene through hits like “Old Man”, “Heart of Gold”, and his time with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Despite living in the U.S. for decades and paying taxes, Young’s journey to officially becoming an American citizen was anything but smooth. Hannah, 64, shared in the BBC interview:
“They tried every trick in the book to mess him up and made him keep coming back to be re-interviewed and re-interviewed. It’s ridiculous.”
🧾 Bureaucratic Red Tape or Political Targeting?
Hannah’s accusations point directly at politically motivated interference, implying that Young’s outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump may have made him a target. While the Trump-era immigration policy was already under scrutiny for its tough stance on green card holders and visa holders, the interview hints at a different level of obstruction—one that involves retaliation against vocal critics.
The actress emphasized the larger issue:
“They’ve been detaining people who have green cards or visas — which is hideous and horrifying…”
🗣️ Neil Young vs. Trump – A Longstanding Feud
Young’s tensions with Trump are far from new. In 2020, the “Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World” singer sued Trump for using his music at campaign rallies without permission. Though the lawsuit was quietly dropped, Young remained loud in his opposition.
On his official website, Young didn’t hold back, writing:
“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.”
This chilling statement underscores how freedom of speech feels threatened, even for someone as influential and established as Neil Young.
🎧 Young vs. Spotify – More Than Just Politics
Neil Young is no stranger to taking principled stands. In 2022, he pulled his entire music catalogue from Spotify, accusing the platform of spreading misinformation via Joe Rogan's podcast. He urged Spotify employees to “get out before it eats your soul.”
In a surprising twist, he returned to the platform in 2024. The reasons remain personal, but the return was marked without compromise or fanfare.
🎤 Glastonbury Headliner After Boycott
Despite tensions with institutions and governments, Young continues to engage with his fans. After previously announcing a boycott of Glastonbury Festival, the 79-year-old icon reversed his decision.
“Due to an error in the information received, I had decided to not play the Glastonbury Festival, which I always loved,” Young clarified on his site.
Now, he is scheduled to headline the UK’s most iconic music festival in June 2025.
💬 Final Thoughts – Speaking Truth to Power
Neil Young's story, as shared by his wife Daryl Hannah, is more than just a tale of immigration red tape — it’s a snapshot of how artists and activists face challenges in a politically charged climate. His resilience, paired with Hannah’s unwavering support, is a reminder of the power of integrity, no matter how famous you are.
As the Grand National Tour and Glastonbury approach, Neil Young’s message remains loud and clear: Art, truth, and freedom are worth fighting for.
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