Hayes Family Resolves Legal Dispute Over Trump Campaign Song Usage

The family of late soul legend Isaac Hayes has reached a settlement agreement with Donald Trump's campaign over unauthorized use of the classic hit "Hold On, I'm Coming." The legal dispute, filed in August 2024, claimed the song was used without permission 133 times during Trump's presidential campaigns.

The family of legendary soul musician Isaac Hayes has reached a settlement agreement with Donald Trump’s presidential campaign regarding the unauthorized use of Hayes’ classic song “Hold On, I’m Coming,” the family announced this week.

The legal battle began in August 2024 when Hayes’ estate filed a federal lawsuit claiming Trump’s campaign had used the iconic track without proper authorization on 133 separate occasions during his 2020 and 2024 presidential runs. The complaint sought financial compensation for alleged copyright violations involving the song’s use in campaign videos and at political rallies.

Isaac Hayes III, the musician’s son, revealed on social media platform X that his family had reached an agreement with the campaign, stating they “are satisfied with the outcome.” However, the family did not disclose the specific terms of their settlement.

The disputed song, which became a major hit for the soul duo Sam and Dave in 1966, was co-written by Hayes and David Porter. Hayes, who passed away in 2008 at 65 years old, was a celebrated figure in soul and R&B music.

Federal Judge Thomas Thrash issued a court order in September 2024 requiring Trump’s campaign to cease all use of the song in future events and promotional materials. Trump’s legal team maintained they had already discontinued using the track prior to the judicial ruling.

The case took an interesting turn when Sam Moore, one half of the original Sam and Dave duo, filed court documents opposing the Hayes estate’s legal action. Moore had previously performed “America the Beautiful” at a Trump pre-inauguration event.

This settlement adds to a growing list of musical artists who have challenged Trump’s use of their work at campaign events, including pop star Sabrina Carpenter, Swedish group ABBA, and Canadian singer Celine Dion.

When contacted for comment, the White House directed inquiries to Trump’s private attorney, Ronald Coleman, who did not respond to requests for information.

In previous court filings, Trump’s legal representatives argued that the Hayes estate could not prove ownership of the disputed copyright or demonstrate any actual damages from the song’s use.

During a 2024 court hearing, Coleman told media representatives that the campaign had voluntarily agreed to stop using the track, explaining: “The campaign has no interest in annoying or hurting anyone, and if the Hayes family feels that it hurts or annoys them, that’s fine, we’re not going to force the issue.”