Like the U.S. Constitution, the White House routinely ignore copyright laws and has repeatedly used songs for videos and live appearances without permission.
Isaac Hayes’ estate has filed a lawsuit against the president for his repeated use of the song “Hold on, I’m Coming”.
At the time of the filing of the lawsuit, Isaac Hayes III posted on social media the, “family trying to distance his father’s work from the Trump campaign, as he did not want it used as “a tool for promoting hatred or bigotry.”
He added, “Donald Trump epitomizes a lack of integrity and class, not only through his continuous use of my father’s music without permission but also through his history of sexual abuse against women and his racist rhetoric. This behavior will no longer be tolerated, and we will take swift action to put an end to it. W e stand in solidarity with all musicians whose work has been co-opted without consent by divisive political campaigns. A musical performer’s art is a reflection of their soul, not a tool for promoting hatred or bigotry. It’s time for all artists to unite and demand respect for their creative legacies.”
While not details have been released, the Hayes family said the suit has been settled.
According to the suit filed in August 2024, the song was used a total of 133 times in videos and for campaign appearances in 2020 and 2024.
Son Isaac Hayes wrote via a social media post that “the family and estate had settle the lawsuit and are satisfied with the outcome.”
The Hayes’ estate spoke via a statement saying, “this resolution represents more than the conclusion of a legal matter. 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.”
They added, 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. Protecting ownership is not only about the past, it is about preserving dignity, value, and accountability for future generations.”
Hayes and David Porter wrote the song for Sam and Dave in 1966.
An injunction was issued in September 2024 blocking use of the song by U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash.
Sam Moore of Sam and Dave said in a sworn statement that he was opposed to the suit by the Hayes estate. Moore sang “America the Beautiful” during a pre-inauguration event.
The Hayes estate is just one of numerous artists who have filed cease and desist letters and even suits to have the unauthorized use of their music stopped; Sabrina Carpenter, Celine Dion, and ABBA among them.
The suit filed by Isaac Hayes’ estate is just one of hundreds of lawsuits that have been filed against the current administration for a myriad of reasons.