The family of the late music icon Isaac Hayes has finally reached a settlement with President Donald Trump and his campaign, after filing a lawsuit for the unauthorized use of the Sam & Dave hit song "Hold On, I'm Comin'". Hayes' son, Isaac Hayes III, shared on social media that his father's estate was "satisfied with the outcome" following a legal battle over copyright infringement.
According to court documents obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, "All parties stipulate to the voluntary dismissal of this action with prejudice, with all parties bearing their respective fees and costs." The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
The Hayes family and the Estate of Isaac Hayes, Jr. announced that the lawsuit filed against Donald John Trump and Donald J. Trump for President 2024, Inc., regarding their use of "Hold On, I'm Comin'" has been mutually resolved, and they are satisfied with the outcome. They further stated that this resolution represents more than just the conclusion of a legal matter. It reaffirms the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and copyrights, especially as they relate to legacy, ownership, and the responsible use of creative works.
Isaac Hayes, Jr. dedicated his life to his craft, and his contributions to music and culture carry enduring value. As stewards of his legacy, they remain committed to ensuring that his work is respected and properly protected. They are proud that this matter has helped further a broader conversation surrounding intellectual property rights and the obligation to honor creators and their estates. Protecting ownership is not only about the past; it is about preserving dignity, value, and accountability for future generations.
In August 2024, the Grammy and Oscar-winner's estate sued Trump and his campaign for continued unauthorized use of the 1996 hit song written by Hayes and his songwriting partner David Porter at the president's campaign rallies from 2022 to 2024. "Hold On, I'm Comin'" was featured at more than 130 Trump rallies during that period, often playing before and after his stump speech, as well as at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
The following month, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Thrash Jr. issued an emergency injunction in Atlanta federal court, ordering Trump to stop using the musician's songs at his rallies.
Isaac Hayes III previously expressed that his family was trying to distance his father's work from the Trump campaign as he did not want it used as "a tool for promoting hatred or bigotry." He wrote on Instagram, "Donald Trump epitomizes a lack of integrity and class, not only through his continuous use of my father's music without permission but also through his history of sexual abuse against women and his racist rhetoric. This behavior will no longer be tolerated, and we will take swift action to put an end to it." He further stated that they stand in solidarity with all musicians whose work has been co-opted without consent by divisive political campaigns. A musical performer's art is a reflection of their soul, not a tool for promoting hatred or bigotry. It's time for all artists to unite and demand respect for their creative legacies.
