Isaac Hayes’ estate has reached a private settlement with Donald Trump after suing the president and his campaign.
The case was launched over the unauthorised use of the 1966 soul classic Hold On, I’m Comin’ at Trump’s campaign rallies. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the estate had previously demanded $3 million (£2.22 million), Rolling Stone reports.
In court filings, the estate accused Trump of personally selecting the song and playing it at least 133 times without permission. The lawsuit, filed in 2024, also alleged the campaign recorded and distributed videos containing the song despite objections from Hayes’ heirs.
“Donald Trump represents the worst in integrity and class with his disrespect and sexual abuse of women and racist rhetoric,” the musician’s son, Isaac Hayes III, wrote on social media in an X post that has since been deleted.
On Monday, the estate filed a voluntary dismissal in federal court. In a statement, representatives for the estate said the lawsuit had been “mutually resolved” and that the family was “satisfied with the outcome”.
“This resolution represents more than the conclusion of a legal matter,” the statement read.
“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.”
Isaac Hayes Jr, who died in 2008, co-wrote, recorded, and released the song with the R&B duo Sam & Dave.
The Isaac Hayes Estate is one of several artists who have taken action over unauthorised use of their music at Trump rallies.
The White Stripes filed (then dropped) a lawsuit regarding the use of Seven Nation Army in a social media campaign video.
Eddy Grant filed a lawsuit regarding the use of his song Electric Avenue, and the judge ruled Trump was liable for damages.
Other artists to publicly request their music not be used by the Trump team include Beyoncé, Foo Fighters and Celine Dion.
