USA24 February, 20262 min read
Isaac Hayes' Family Settles Lawsuit Accusing Donald Trump of Stealing 'Hold On, I'm Coming'
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Hayes' estate settled its lawsuit with President Donald Trump over unauthorized song use Trump campaign used 'Hold On, I'm Coming' at rallies and in videos without permission
6 outlets told this the same way.
Settlement over song use
Isaac Hayes' estate has reached a private settlement with Donald Trump and his campaign, ending a 2024 lawsuit that accused the campaign of using the 1966 hit "Hold On, I'm Coming" without permission. The estate sued in August 2024, alleging the song was played repeatedly at Trump events; outlets report the family described itself as satisfied with the outcome but that settlement terms were not disclosed. The case had resulted in a federal preliminary injunction in September 2024 ordering the campaign to stop using the track during the litigation.
“President Donald Trump has settled a lawsuit brought by the estate of Isaac Hayes alleging the Trump campaign used the 1966 hit ‘Hold On, I’m Coming’ without permission.”
Campaign song lawsuit
The estate’s complaint, according to reports, said the song was used dozens of times. Some articles cited a figure of 133 plays across Trump’s 2020 and 2024 bids.
Digital Music News and The Daily Beast both note the estate originally sought $3 million and demanded removal of videos and disclaimers. Associated Press records that a judge had already issued a preliminary injunction directing the campaign to stop using the track as the case proceeded.
Reactions to Hayes outcome
Responses reported in the coverage were mixed. The Associated Press records that Hayes’ family said it was 'satisfied with the outcome' but did not disclose terms. Digital Music News and The Daily Beast both cite public reaction and family statements.
“Hayes’ son said Monday the family is 'satisfied with the outcome,' but did not disclose settlement terms.”
Isaac Hayes III reportedly posted (and then deleted) critical social-media messages, saying the estate 'will now deal with this very swiftly,' in one report. Sam Moore of Sam & Dave told The Daily Beast in a sworn statement that he opposed the Hayes family’s action. Estate counsel is quoted as saying the matter is resolved.
Artists objecting to Trump
Several outlets place the Hayes dispute within a wider pattern of musicians objecting to Trump’s use of their work. The Daily Beast lists artists who have publicly objected — from the Rolling Stones to Neil Young — and recounts a separate White Stripes lawsuit over 'Seven Nation Army' that prompted public threats of legal action by Jack White. Associated Press and Digital Music News likewise frame the case as one among multiple disputes between artists and the campaign.
Settlement and copyright dispute
Multiple public reports say the settlement’s financial and licensing terms were not disclosed. The Associated Press reports that Trump lawyers argued the campaign had already ceased use and that the estate had not proven ownership or harm, which raises questions about the legal bases of the claims as reported. A local report cited a copyright/usage notice saying the material 'cannot be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission,' which underscores why rights holders pursue such suits.
“Hayes’ son said Monday the family is 'satisfied with the outcome,' but did not disclose settlement terms. ... Trump lawyers said they had already ceased use and had argued the estate hadn’t shown ownership or harm.”