Court Bans Donald Trump From Using Isaac Hayes Song In Campaigns

Former President Donald Trump has been barred from using the iconic soul song “Hold On, I’m Coming” during his campaign efforts. This decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by the estate of the song’s late co-writer, Isaac Hayes.

The song, co-written by Isaac Hayes, who died in 2008, had been frequently performed at Trump rallies, including his walkout of the 2016 Republican National Convention. However, the Hayes estate alleged that Trump’s continued use of the footage was copyright infringement, sparking a legal battle.

On Tuesday, September 3, United States District Judge Thomas Thrash issued a temporary injunction prohibiting Trump from using the song at future events.

According to reports, the judge denied a request to remove existing videos utilizing the track. The late songwriter’s son, Isaac Hayes III, expressed joy with the court’s decision, adding that “Donald Trump has been barred from ever playing Isaac Hayes’ music again.” “I couldn’t have asked for a better decision,” he told reporters.

He encouraged artists who oppose political exploitation of their music to take legal action to protect their rights.

Ronald Coleman, an attorney representing Trump, described the decision as “a wash,” noting that the campaign had already agreed to stop using “Hold On, I’m Coming.” Coleman stated, “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.”

He also stated that the campaign was relieved that the judge did not order all existing videos to be erased.

Isaac Hayes III stated that the issue has been ongoing for four years. He stated that he conveyed his displeasure when Trump played “Hold On, I’m Coming” at a National Rifle Association (NRA) gathering shortly after the Uvalde mass shooting in 2022. The Hayes estate sent Trump a cease-and-desist letter, but the song was still used.

Hayes III emphasized that his objection is not politically motivated, but rather a matter of character. “I’ve never wanted this song to be associated with Donald Trump in the manner that he was using it,” he explained to reporters.

Citing his father’s ideals and Trump’s incendiary words, particularly about women, Hayes emphasized the need of separating the music from someone with Trump’s notoriety.

According to James L. Walker Jr., counsel for the Hayes estate, attempts are still being made to remove all footage, including the song. He expressed confidence that the videos would be withdrawn once the case got to trial, demonstrating that no license was ever issued for Trump’s use of the song.

According to James L. Walker Jr., counsel for the Hayes estate, attempts are still being made to erase all footage, including the song. He expressed confidence that the videos would be withdrawn once the case got to trial, demonstrating that no license was ever issued for Trump’s use of the song.

This action is part of a larger pattern in which musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Neil Young, and Céline Dion have sued or spoken out against Trump’s use of their music at campaign events.

Click on the link to get a full list of over 30 musicians that have threatened or taken legal action against Trump for utilizing their songs at his rallies.