Neil Young Takes Aim at Trump and Tech Titans in 'As Time Explodes' Video

Neil Young’s new video 'As Time Explodes' delivers a sharp critique of Donald Trump and billionaire tech moguls with powerful imagery and a gripping instrumental.

A Bold New Video That Hits Close to Home

If you're a fan of Neil Young, you already know he doesn't shy away from speaking his mind. His latest release, a two-minute video titled 'As Time Explodes', is no exception. Dropped on his YouTube channel on October 30th, this clip dives into a fiery commentary on political power and the reign of tech oligarchs.

Rather than hitting you with lyrics, the video pairs a stirring, guitar-driven instrumental—echoing the vibes of his 2003 song Be The Rain with Crazy Horse—with a montage of raw, compelling news footage. It’s like a visual thunderclap that demands your attention.

The Video’s Visual Story: From Power to Protest

The opening shots are stark: the White House’s East Wing being demolished during a government shutdown. It’s a powerful metaphor for a nation in disrepair. From there, the imagery yields to a banner flashing the blunt message: “The 1% ruins the world.”

What follows is a parade of some of the most influential figures in the world, framed as part of a troubling narrative. Elon Musk wielding a chainsaw, Donald Trump receiving a luxury jet from Qatar, Apple’s Tim Cook making his way into the White House, and a nod to Jeff Bezos’ extravagant Venice wedding all flash past in quick succession.

These are not just random shots—they’re calculated jabs at the immense power and privilege that these folks hold, often at the expense of the many.

One standout moment is a tweet that reads: “The oligarchs gather & so starts the looting of America,” perfectly capturing the video’s fiery tone. It also shows National Guard troops deployed during the ICE protests, grounding the spectacle in real social unrest.

Towards the end, the video shifts focus to huge crowds rallying for the recent ‘No Kings Protests’ across America, illustrating Young’s solidarity with grassroots movements fighting the status quo.

Neil Young: Longtime Warrior Against Injustice

Young’s activism isn’t new. His music is steeped in protest and social commentary, and he’s never been shy about leveraging his platform to speak truth to power. Remember when he pulled his entire catalog from Spotify in early 2022? That was a direct response to Joe Rogan’s podcast spreading vaccine misinformation.

Just this month, he escalated his stand by planning to remove his music from Amazon Music, urging fans to boycott colossal corporations like Amazon, Meta, and Whole Foods. That’s some serious dedication to principle.

He’s also deactivated his Facebook and Instagram accounts after condemning Meta’s use of chatbots with children and famously quit Twitter (now known as X) following Elon Musk’s endorsement of an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. On his own website, Young was blunt: “We are stopping all use of X we can control. For reasons that should be obvious to the richest man on Earth, we are taking this action against his company.”

A History of Taking On Trump and the Oligarchy

Neil Young has long been a vocal critic of Donald Trump. He’s even shared the stage with legends like Joan Baez, Bernie Sanders, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, performing songs that directly oppose the former president’s agenda.

Recently, Young released ‘Big Crime’, a song that tears into Trump and the Republican leadership, labeling the ex-president as “out of control” and calling for “a real president.” Another memorable protest track, ‘Let’s Roll Again’, features the provocative line: “If You’re A Fascist, Get A Tesla,” a pointed jab at Elon Musk and his billionaire ilk.

Adding to his outspoken reputation, Young has expressed concerns about his ability to continue touring in the U.S. due to his forthright political views, noting ironically that Trump had been a fan of his for decades.

Why 'As Time Explodes' Resonates Today

In an era where the line between politics and corporate power blurs daily, Young’s latest visual rant feels both urgent and timeless. It’s a reminder that music and activism have always shared a stage, and that some voices refuse to be silenced.

If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by the growing divide between the ultra-rich and everyday people, this video is a powerful anthem to rally behind.

FAQ

• What is Neil Young’s new video ‘As Time Explodes’ about?
  It’s a two-minute visual critique targeting Donald Trump and tech billionaires like Elon Musk, highlighting issues of power, corruption, and social unrest.
• Does the video include new music?
  No lyrics, but it features an instrumental track inspired by Young’s 2003 song Be The Rain.
• Has Neil Young protested corporations before?
  Yes, he’s pulled his music from Spotify and Amazon Music and deactivated social media accounts to protest misinformation and unethical corporate behavior.
• What message does Neil Young convey about billionaires in the video?
  He suggests that billionaires like Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg, and Trump are part of an oligarchy that harms society and exploits America’s resources.
• How does Neil Young show support for recent protests?
  The video includes footage from the ‘No Kings Protests’ in the U.S., signaling Young’s backing of grassroots movements.

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