Hayes’ estate filed the lawsuit in August 2024 alleging that the Trump campaign used the song in videos and campaign appearances 133 times in his 2020 and 2024 presidential bids. Isaac Hayes, who died in 2008 at age 65, and David Porter co-wrote “Hold On, I’m Coming,” a 1966 hit for soul duo Sam and Dave. U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash granted the Hayes estate a preliminary injunction in September 2024, compelling the Trump campaign to stop using the song in any appearances or videos. AdvertisementA slew of artists — including Sabrina Carpenter, ABBA and Celine Dion — have objected to Trump using their songs during his events for years. Lawyers for Trump and his campaign wrote in an earlier filing with the court that the Hayes estate and Isaac Hayes Enterprises failed to show that they own the copyright at issue and couldn’t show that they suffered any harm.

Source: Huffington Post February 24, 2026 16:13 UTC