Trump’s Campaign Barred from Using Isaac Hayes Song After Lawsuit Threat

A federal judge in Atlanta has ruled that Donald Trump and his presidential campaign can no longer use the song “Hold On, I’m Comin'” by Isaac Hayes. This decision comes after Hayes’ family issued a warning about potential legal action regarding the unauthorized use of the song at campaign rallies.

Isaac Hayes III, the son of the legendary musician, announced the victory on X, expressing satisfaction with the court’s decision. He stated, “Today our family was granted an injunction against @realdonaldtrump from playing @IsaacHayes3 music ever again.” The family plans to pursue further legal action as the lawsuit progresses.

Previously, Hayes III shared a copyright infringement notice filed by attorney James Walker. The notice demanded that Trump’s campaign pay $3 million in licensing fees due to the alleged unauthorized use of Hayes’ music over the past two years. The Hayes estate was reportedly considering suing Trump for a staggering 134 counts of copyright infringement.

The legal notice also called for the removal of any campaign videos featuring the song and insisted that a public disclaimer be issued, warning of potential “further legal action” if these demands were not met.

Judge Thomas W. Thrash Jr. granted the Hayes estate’s request to prevent Trump’s future use of the song. However, the judge did deny the motion to eliminate previously recorded uses of “Hold On, I’m Comin'” from the campaign’s materials, as reported by CNN and The Associated Press.

Following the ruling, Trump’s attorney Ronald Coleman expressed relief regarding the decision on past uses of the song. He mentioned that the Trump campaign has already agreed to stop using the track moving forward. “The campaign has no interest in annoying or hurting anyone,” Coleman reassured. He added that if the Hayes family finds the use of the song bothersome, the campaign does not intend to challenge that sentiment.

Isaac Hayes III expressed his gratitude to the court, stating that this ruling might encourage other artists to take a stand against the misuse of their music by political figures. “I want this to serve as an opportunity for other artists to come forward that don’t want their music used by Donald Trump or other political entities and continue to fight for music artists’ rights and copyright,” he remarked.

The motion filed by the Hayes family is labeled as a preliminary injunction in the legal proceedings, with future hearing dates yet to be announced. Isaac Hayes passed away on August 10, 2008. He co-wrote “Hold On, I’m Comin'” with David Porter, and the song was released in 1966. The classic has been covered by a variety of notable artists, including Aretha Franklin, Waylon Jennings, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, and Tina Turner.

The ruling reflects a broader trend, as Donald Trump’s options for songs at his rallies have been dwindling. Numerous artists and estates, including those of Sinéad O’Connor, Prince, Johnny Marr of The Smiths, Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco, and Tom Petty’s family, have also demanded that he cease the use of their music.

As the legal battles continue, the ruling is a significant moment not only for the Hayes family but also for other artists seeking to protect their work from unauthorized use.

Source: USA TODAY