Trump Settles Suit Over Use of ‘Hold On, I’m Coming’

The estate of soul singer and songwriter Isaac Hayes has dropped its copyright lawsuit against Donald Trump and his campaign after reaching a settlement over the use of the 1966 hit “Hold On, I’m Coming” at political rallies.

The estate filed suit in 2024, alleging that Trump personally selected the track and that it was played at campaign events at least 133 times without authorization. The complaint also said the campaign used the song in recorded and shared videos despite objections from Hayes’ heirs. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed, according to Rolling Stone; the estate had previously sought $3 million in damages.

Hayes, who died in 2008, co-wrote, recorded, and released the Stax Records classic with Sam & Dave. One half of the duo, Sam Moore, performed “America the Beautiful” at a pre-inauguration concert for Trump, the Associated Press reported, and said in a sworn court statement that he opposed the lawsuit filed by Hayes’ estate.

A statement from the Hayes family said the agreement underscores the importance of safeguarding intellectual property and copyright, particularly artists’ legacies and the “responsible use” of creative work. Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III, wrote in a since-deleted post on X that “Donald Trump represents the worst in integrity and class with his disrespect and sexual abuse of women and racist rhetoric.”

Other musicians who have objected to Trump’s use of their songs at events include ABBA, Sabrina Carpenter, and Celine Dion.