Trump Reaches Settlement with Isaac Hayes Estate Over Campaign Song Dispute
The estate of legendary singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes has announced a settlement with former President Donald Trump regarding a copyright infringement lawsuit. The legal action centered on allegations that Trump's presidential campaigns used Hayes' iconic song "Hold On, I'm Coming" without proper authorization during both the 2020 and 2024 election cycles.
Details of the Copyright Infringement Allegations
According to court documents filed in August 2024, the Hayes estate claimed the Trump campaign utilized the soul classic in campaign videos and public appearances approximately 133 times across two presidential bids. The lawsuit specifically targeted Trump, his campaign organization, and several political allies, asserting that this unauthorized usage constituted clear copyright infringement and warranted financial compensation.
Isaac Hayes, who passed away in 2008 at age 65, co-wrote "Hold On, I'm Coming" with David Porter in 1966. The song became a major hit for soul duo Sam and Dave and remains one of the most recognizable tracks from that era of American music.
Legal Proceedings and Family Statement
Isaac Hayes III, the musician's son, revealed the settlement on social media platform X, stating that the family and estate "are satisfied with the outcome." The announcement did not disclose specific terms of the agreement or whether any financial compensation was involved in the resolution.
The legal process saw significant developments in September 2024 when U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash granted the Hayes estate a preliminary injunction. This court order formally compelled the Trump campaign to cease using the song in any campaign materials or appearances. Legal representatives for Trump maintained that their client had already discontinued use of the track prior to the judicial ruling.
Broader Context of Campaign Music Controversies
This settlement represents another chapter in the ongoing tension between political campaigns and musical artists regarding unauthorized song usage. Numerous prominent musicians including Sabrina Carpenter, ABBA, and Celine Dion have previously objected to Trump featuring their music at political events over several years.
Interestingly, Sam Moore of Sam and Dave—the original performers of "Hold On, I'm Coming"—had performed "America the Beautiful" at a pre-inauguration concert for Trump. Moore submitted a sworn statement to the court in September 2024 indicating his opposition to the legal action pursued by the Hayes estate.
Legal Arguments and Campaign Response
Attorneys representing Trump and his campaign argued in earlier court filings that the Hayes estate failed to demonstrate clear copyright ownership of the song in question and couldn't establish that they suffered measurable harm from the campaign's usage. The White House directed inquiries to Trump's personal legal counsel, though requests for comment from attorney Ronald Coleman went unanswered.
Following a 2024 hearing, Coleman told reporters that the campaign had already committed to discontinuing use of the song, stating: "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."
This settlement concludes a notable copyright dispute that highlights the complex intersection of intellectual property rights and political campaigning in contemporary American politics.
