Isaac Hayes' Estate Reaches Settlement With Donald Trump

The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The estate of legendary singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes has reached a settlement with former President Donald Trump over the unauthorized use of Hayes' song "Hold On, I'm Coming" at Trump's campaign rallies. The joint stipulation of dismissal was filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, though the specific terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, especially for the estates of iconic artists like Isaac Hayes who have built enduring legacies. The settlement reaffirms that creative works cannot be used without permission, even by high-profile public figures.

The details

In 2024, the Hayes estate, led by Isaac Hayes III, sued Trump and other defendants over the repeated use of "Hold On, I'm Coming" at Trump's campaign rallies without obtaining the necessary permissions or licenses. The lawsuit alleged copyright infringement and sought damages.

  • The joint stipulation of dismissal was filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta on February 23, 2026.
  • The original lawsuit was filed by the Hayes estate in 2024.

The players

Isaac Hayes Estate

The estate of legendary singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes, led by his son Isaac Hayes III, which is responsible for protecting and preserving Hayes' creative legacy.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who was sued by the Hayes estate for the unauthorized use of the song "Hold On, I'm Coming" at his campaign rallies.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Isaac Hayes Estate (imdb.com)

The takeaway

This settlement underscores the need for public figures and entities to respect the intellectual property rights of artists, even iconic musicians like Isaac Hayes, and to obtain proper permissions before using their creative works. It serves as a cautionary tale about the legal consequences of unauthorized use of copyrighted material.