The family of Isaac Hayes is suing Trump for $3 million for copyright infringement

The family of Isaac Hayes is suing Donald Trump for $3 million for copyright infringement and unauthorized use of Hold On I'm Coming 100 times.

Isaac Hayes III was placed in X.

We, the family of @isaachayes Isaac Hayes Enterprises, represented by Walker & Associates, are suing @realDonaldTrump and his campaign for 134 counts of copyright infringement for the unauthorized use of the campaign song 'Hold On I'm Coming' in rallies from 220 onwards. – in 2024

We are demanding a cease-and-desist, removal of all related videos, a public disclaimer, and payment of a $3 million licensing fee by August 16, 2024. Failure to comply will result in further legal action.

– The Hayes family

Unauthorized use of a song was not a one-time accident. The Hayes family has apparently documented that the song has been played at nearly every Trump event over the past three years.

Typically, if an artist or copyright owner finds an instance of unauthorized use, they will send a cease and desist letter to the candidate, the campaign will apologize and stop using the music. If the campaign wants to continue using the music, they will pay a licensing fee. The copyright owner has the right to reject the application for use.

Denials are very common in politics if an artist doesn't feel comfortable with their music being used at political events, or if the artist doesn't want their worst to be associated with a particular politician.

The letter states that the Trump campaign continued to infringe copyrights even after they were notified of the infringement.

Trump now owes the Hayes family millions of dollars because he won't stop stealing music to use at his rallies.

Jason is the managing editor. She is also the White House Press Center and Congressional Correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a BA in Political Science. Her graduate work focused on public policy, specializing in social reform movements.

Awards and professional memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association