Donald Trump Is Not Allowed to Play the Isaac Hayes Song During Rallies Judge Rules in Response to Late Star’s Family Lawsuit

Isaac Hayes’ son stated that his family does not support Donald Trump’s use of the song “Hold On, I’m Coming,” as it is not a political matter but rather a matter of character.

A federal judge ruled on Tuesday, Sept. 3, that Donald Trump is prohibited from using the soul classic “Hold On, I’m Coming” at his campaign rallies as a result of a lawsuit filed by the estate of the track’s late songwriter.

Trump frequently employed the 1966 song, which was co-written by Isaac Hayes, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 65, as his exit music at rallies, such as the Republican National Convention in July.

Nevertheless, the Associated Press reports that Hayes’ estate filed a lawsuit against the former president last month, alleging that Trump’s repeated use of the song was a violation of copyright.

On Tuesday in Atlanta, U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash issued a temporary injunction that prevents Trump from using the song in the future. However, the judge denied a request from Hayes’ estate that the Trump campaign be compelled to remove any existing videos that feature the song. This information was reported by The New York Times and the outlet.

Isaac Hayes III, Isaac Hayes’ son, expressed his gratitude and satisfaction with Judge Thrash’s decision to the press. Donald Trump has been prohibited from performing Isaac Hayes’ music in the future. I could not have made a more suitable decision. I intend for this to be a platform for other artists to express their opposition to the use of their music by Donald Trump or other political entities, and to continue advocating for the rights of music artists and copyright.

Ronald Coleman, Trump’s attorney, informed reporters that he regards the decision as “a wash,” as the campaign had previously consented to discontinue the use of “Hold On, I’m Coming.”

Coleman expressed his satisfaction that Thrash did not mandate the removal of all existing videos, stating, “The campaign has no interest in annoying or hurting anyone. If the Hayes family feels that it hurts or annoys them, that’s fine; we’re not going to force the issue.”

Hayes’ son stated that the process of addressing Trump and the song has taken four years. He informed reporters that he was “not pleased” when the Republican used “Hold On, I’m Coming” at an NRA Convention shortly after the Uvalde mass shooting in 2022.

Hayes III stated that the estate issued a cease and desist letter to Trump at that time; however, the politician continued to utilize the music.

“I have never desired for this song to be associated with Donald Trump in the manner in which he was using it,” he stated. “My father was the father of seven daughters…” Donald Trump has been found guilty of sexual misconduct. I am aware that my father would not approve of that individual performing his music. In this election, he has said certain things about women, particularly Black women and women of color. We must establish a clear stance that we wish to distinguish ourselves from an individual with the character of Donald Trump. This is not a political matter; it is a matter of character.

Hayes’ attorney, James L. Walker Jr., stated that the team is currently in the process of removing the videos and anticipates that they will be removed once they have “proven that they do not have a license” at trial.

Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Neil Young, Céline Dion, and other musicians have expressed their dissatisfaction with Trump’s use of their music at campaign events.