The family and estate of the late soul legend Isaac Hayes Jr. say their copyright battle with President Donald J. Trump and the Trump for President 2024 campaign has come to a close — and on terms they are “satisfied” with.
The resolution ends a lawsuit filed in 2024, after the Hayes estate accused Trump of using the 1966 Sam & Dave classic “Hold On, I’m Comin’” at campaign rallies without permission. Court filings alleged Trump personally selected the song and played it at least 133 times, and that the campaign also recorded and distributed videos featuring the track despite repeated objections from Hayes’ heirs. The estate had previously sought $3 million in damages.
A joint stipulation of dismissal with prejudice was filed in federal court, formally closing the case. While the terms remain confidential, the estate emphasized that the outcome reinforces the broader fight to protect artists’ rights and the integrity of their creative work.
In a statement, Isaac Hayes III, president of the estate, said the agreement represents more than a legal conclusion — it underscores the ongoing need to safeguard intellectual property, legacy, and responsible use of music. He thanked attorneys James L. Walker Jr., Brittney R. Dobbins, copyright administrator Liz Garner, and the Walker & Associates team for their strategic leadership throughout the process.
The estate also noted that the case contributes to a wider national conversation about copyright protections, particularly as more artists challenge political campaigns for unauthorized use of their work.