The estate of Isaac Hayes has reached a settlement with Donald Trump regarding the unauthorized use of the 1966 song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at rallies and campaign events.
Legal Dispute Resolved
The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed. The Hayes estate initially filed a lawsuit in 2024, seeking $3 million in damages, alleging that the song was played at least 133 times without permission during Trump’s 2020 and 2024 presidential bids.
Trump’s campaign had argued that its use of the song was covered under a license obtained through BMI. However, the Hayes estate maintained that it had revoked any licensing permission after Trump began using the song at rallies in 2020.
Injunction and Claims
Last year, U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash granted an injunction, preventing Trump from further use of the song and allowing the Hayes estate’s claims of copyright infringement to proceed.
In a statement, the Hayes estate emphasized that the resolution “reaffirms the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and copyrights” and preserving the legacy of Isaac Hayes, Jr.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the initial amount the Hayes estate sought in damages?
The Hayes estate initially sued Trump for $3 million.
How many times was the song allegedly used without permission?
The estate claimed the song “Hold On, I’m Coming” was played at least 133 times at campaign events without authorization.
Did the court rule on whether a license covered the song’s use?
The court allowed the Hayes estate’s infringement claims to move forward after Judge Thrash granted an injunction barring Trump from using the song.
As legal battles over intellectual property continue to emerge in the political landscape, it remains to be seen how future campaigns will navigate the complexities of music licensing and copyright law.
