Isaac Hayes’ estate settles lawsuit against Trump over unauthorised song use

Isaac Hayes’ estate have reached a private settlement with Donald Trump after suing the US President over unauthorised use of the hit track ‘Hold On, I’m Coming’ in his campaign.

In a lawsuit filed in August 2024, Hayes’ estate alleged that the Trump campaign has used the song 133 in his 2020 and 2024 presidential bids, and that the use of the work by Trump, his campaign and several of his allies had infringed its copyright.

In a social media post published on Monday, Hayes’ son Isaac Hayes III announced that the family and estate had settled the lawsuit and “are satisfied with the outcome.”

“This resolution represents more than the conclusion of a legal matter,” Hayes’ estate added in a statement. “It reaffirms the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and copyrights, especially as they relate to legacy, ownership, and the responsible use of creative works.

“Isaac Hayes, Jr. dedicated his life to his craft, and his contributions to music and culture carry enduring value. As stewards of his legacy, we remain committed to ensuring that his work is respected and properly protected.

“We are proud that this matter has helped further a broader conversation surrounding intellectual property rights and the obligation to honor creators and their estates,” the statement continued. “Protecting ownership is not only about the past, it is about preserving dignity, value, and accountability for future generations.”

Isaac Hayes Jr., who died in 2008, co-wrote ‘Hold On, I’m Coming’ with David Porter in 1966 for the soul duo Sam and Dave.

A preliminary injunction was granted to the Hayes estate in September 2024, leading the Trump campaign to stop using the song, although lawyers for Trump said they had already stopped using the song before the ruling.