Isaac Hayes Estate Files Lawsuit Against Donald Trump for Unauthorized Use of Music
The estate of late soul legend Isaac Hayes is among the many artists who have taken legal action against Donald Trump for unauthorized use of their music during his political campaigns. In a recent lawsuit, Hayes’ family is seeking a permanent injunction to ban Trump from using any of the singer’s music in his 2024 presidential campaign.
A federal judge has already ruled in favor of the Hayes family, temporarily blocking Trump from using Hayes’ iconic track, Hold On, I’m Comin’. The song, co-written by Hayes and David Porter, gained fame in 1966 when recorded by soul duo Sam and Dave. Trump had been playing the track as his exit music during rallies for his 2024 campaign.
Isaac Hayes’ Music Blocked From Trump’s 2024 Campaign
Federal court judge Thomas Thrash, presiding in Atlanta, Georgia, recently ruled to stop Trump from using Isaac Hayes’ music at his political events. The injunction specifically bars the former president’s campaign from using Hold On, I’m Comin’ during any upcoming rallies or appearances.
While the injunction does not require the Trump campaign to remove videos that already feature the song from past events, it ensures that the track cannot be played during future appearances. The ruling remains in place while the lawsuit filed by Hayes’ family progresses, with the goal of permanently banning the use of Hayes’ music in Trump’s political efforts.
Isaac Hayes’ Family Speaks Out Against Trump’s Music Use
Isaac Hayes III, the son of the late soul icon, expressed gratitude for the court’s decision. “We are very grateful and happy for the decision by Judge Thrash,” Hayes III shared with reporters. “I hope this ruling encourages other artists to come forward if they don’t want their music associated with Donald Trump or other political figures.”
The lawsuit reflects a broader movement among musicians and their estates to protect their works from being used in political contexts without permission. Over the years, numerous artists have taken similar legal action against Trump for using their songs without authorization, seeking to disassociate their work from his campaigns.
Artists Rally Against Unauthorized Use of Music by Donald Trump
Isaac Hayes joins a growing list of artists who have taken a stand against Trump’s unauthorized use of their music. In recent weeks, Jack White threatened legal action after Trump’s team played Seven Nation Army at a political event. White took to social media to express his frustration, stating, “Don’t even think about using my music, you fascists. Lawsuit coming from my lawyers.”
Other artists and estates that have taken legal action or publicly objected to Trump’s use of their music include ABBA, The Beatles, Foo Fighters, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M., and more.
Trump Campaign Responds to Isaac Hayes Lawsuit
In response to the lawsuit filed by the Isaac Hayes estate, Trump’s legal team has claimed that they were no longer using the song before the ruling was issued. Ronald Coleman, a Trump campaign lawyer, commented, “The campaign had already agreed to cease further use. We’re very gratified that the court recognized the First Amendment issues at stake and didn’t order a takedown of existing videos.”
As the lawsuit continues, the Isaac Hayes family remains hopeful that a permanent ruling will be issued, protecting the soul singer’s legacy from unauthorized use in political campaigns.
Conclusion
The legal battle between Isaac Hayes’ estate and Donald Trump over the unauthorized use of Hold On, I’m Comin’ is part of a larger movement among musicians seeking to protect their creative works from being used in political contexts without permission. With the court’s temporary block in place, the Hayes family continues to pursue a permanent injunction, setting a precedent for other artists looking to maintain control over the use of their music.
