Donald Trump Can No Longer Use Isaac Hayes Song at Campaign Rallies Following Lawsuit from Late Star's Family, Judge Rules

Mar. 15, 2025

Isaac Hayes; Donald Trump.Photo:Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Emily Elconin/Getty

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Emily Elconin/Getty

But last month, Hayes’ estate filed suit against the former president, claiming Trump’s repeated use of the song was copyright infringement, according to theAssociated Press.

In Atlanta on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash issued a temporary injunction blocking Trump from using the song moving forward — but denied a request from Hayes’ estate that the Trump campaign be forced to take down any existing videos that include the song, the outlet andThe New York Timesreported.

The Trump family at the 2024 Republican National Convention.Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Ronald Coleman, Trump’s attorney, told reporters he considers the decision “a wash,” as he says the campaign had already agreed to stop using “Hold On, I’m Coming.”

“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,” Coleman said, noting the team was “very gratified” that Thrash did not order all existing videos be taken down.

Hayes’ son said it’s been a four-year process regarding Trump and the song, as he told reporters he made it clear that he was “not pleased” when the Republican used “Hold On, I’m Coming” at an NRA Convention shortly after theUvalde mass shootingin 2022.

Hayes III said the estate sent Trump a cease and desist at that time, but that the politician continued to use the music.

Isaac Hayes in 1972.Michael Putland/Getty

Michael Putland/Getty

“I’ve never wanted this song to be associated with Donald Trump in the manner that he was using it…,” he said. “My father was a father to seven daughters… Donald Trump has beenfound liable of sexual abuse. I know my father would not want that man playing his music. Some of the things he says about women, especially Black women and women of color, especially in this election… We have to take a stand that we want to separate ourselves from someone with Donald Trump’s character. This is not a political issue, this is a character issue.”

James L. Walker Jr., Hayes’ attorney, said the team is still working on getting the videos taken down, and that they expect that to happen once they go to trial and “prove that they do not have a license.”

Othermusicians who have taken issuewith Trump playing their music at campaign events include Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Neil Young, Céline Dion and more.

source: people.com