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Left: Left: Grammy award winning musician Isaac Hayes in May of 2000 (Scott Weiner / MediaPunch /IPX). Right: President Donald Trump listens to a question from a reporter before signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, March 31, 2025 (Pool via AP).
One of the lawsuits from the 2024 election cycle involving Donald Trump’s campaign and unauthorized use of music at rallies is wrapping up amicably, leaving the plaintiff content with the outcome.
The lawsuit, filed by the estate of Isaac Hayes, was addressed in a joint stipulation submitted to federal court on Monday. Both the estate and the Trump campaign informed U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash Jr. of their decision to permanently dismiss the lawsuit, agreeing to cover their own legal fees and costs.
As of early Tuesday afternoon, the court records did not yet show any action taken by Judge Thrash, but the resolution of the copyright dispute seems to be a foregone conclusion, ending much more quietly than it began.
Isaac Hayes III, son of the legendary artist known for “Hold On, I’m Coming,” had been vocal in opposing the Trump campaign’s use of his father’s music at political events, particularly due to the campaign’s perceived affiliation with the Hayes estate.
In a radio interview, Hayes III expressed his concerns: “I’ve mentioned multiple times that I come from a family of seven sisters. Donald Trump has made derogatory remarks about women and Vice President Kamala Harris. He’s been held accountable for sexual misconduct. For me, it’s not just political—it’s about distancing from the character and conduct associated with that campaign.”
“I don’t necessarily want to inject my father’s music into politics because I feel that, that all types of people around the world love Isaac Hayes so I don’t think his music should be used in a political fashion,” he added. “And so, I don’t want that. But Donald Trump is definitely not the person. I don’t want people to hear ‘Hold On, I’m Coming’ and think of Donald Trump at all, in any shape or form.”
Litigation over unauthorized use of the song followed, in the same vein as other lawsuits by other artists.
Now Hayes has said on his verified account that the case was “mutually resolved,” referring to the joint stipulation to dismiss.
Official Statement from the Hayes Family and the Estate of Isaac Hayes
The Hayes family and the Estate of Isaac Hayes, Jr. announce that the lawsuit filed against Donald John Trump and Donald J. Trump for President 2024, Inc., regarding their use of “Hold On, I’m Comin” has been… pic.twitter.com/0I5LzoA3NG
— Isaac Hayes III (@IsaacHayes3) February 23, 2026
What did the lawsuit accomplish? According to Hayes, it was about principle and he’s “satisfied” with the defense of it.
“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,” the post said, not mentioning a financial component to the dismissal. “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.”
“[W]e are satisfied with the outcome,” Hayes added, thanking attorney James Walker.