Donald Trump can no longer use the soul classic “Hold On, I’m Coming” at his campaign rallies after a lawsuit by the estate of the song’s late songwriter, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday, September 3rd.
Trump has often used the 1966 song – written by Isaac Hayes, who died in 2008 aged 65 – as his exit music at rallies, such as the Republican National Convention in July.
But last month, Hayes’ estate filed a lawsuit against the former president, claiming Trump’s repeated use of the song is copyright infringement, according to the Associated Press.
On Tuesday in Atlanta, U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash issued a temporary injunction blocking Trump from future use of the song — but denied a request by the Hayes estate to force the Trump campaign to remove all existing videos featuring the song, and The New York Times reported.
“We are very grateful and happy for Judge Thrash’s decision,” Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III, told reporters. “Donald Trump is banned from ever playing Isaac Hayes’ music again. I couldn’t have asked for a better decision. I want this to serve as an opportunity for other artists to come forward who do not want their music used by Donald Trump or other political entities and continue to fight for the rights and copyrights of music artists.”
Many, many musicians who have told politicians to stop using their songs
The Trump family at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty
Ronald Coleman, Trump’s lawyer, told reporters he considered the decision “a wash,” since the campaign had already agreed to stop using “Wait, I’m coming.”
“It’s not in the campaign’s interest to upset or hurt anyone, and if the Hayes family feels it hurts or upsets them, that’s fine, we’re not going to push the issue,” Coleman said, noting the team was “very pleased” Thrash didn’t order the removal of all existing videos.
Hayes’ son said it was a four-year process with Trump and the song, as he told reporters he made it clear he was “not happy” when the Republican used “Hold On, I’m Coming” at the short convention The NRA after the 2022 Uvalde mass shooting.
Hayes III said the estate sent Trump a cease and desist at the time, but the politician continued to use the music.
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Isaac Hayes in 1972.
Michael Putland/Getty
“I never wanted this song to be associated with Donald Trump the way he used it…” he said. “My father was the father of seven daughters… Donald Trump was found responsible for sexual abuse. I know my father wouldn’t want that man playing his music. Some of the things he’s saying about women, especially black women and women of color, especially in this election… We have to take a position that we want to separate ourselves from someone with the character of Donald Trump. This is not a political issue, this is a character issue.”
James L. Walker Jr., Hayes’ attorney, said the team is still working to remove the video and they expect that to happen after they go to trial and “prove they don’t have a license.”
Other musicians who have protested Trump playing their music at campaign events include Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Neil Young, Céline Dion and others.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education