(PatriotNews.net) – Donald Trump faces legal trouble as a lawsuit about using Isaac Hayes’ song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at campaign rallies proceeds despite attempts at dismissal.
At a Glance
- Claim that Trump lost a $50 million lawsuit is false; the lawsuit seeks $3 million and remains unresolved.
- A federal judge imposed a temporary injunction against Trump using the song in his campaign.
- No damages or liabilities have been determined, and the lawsuit is ongoing.
- Trump’s motion to dismiss the case was denied by Judge Thomas Thrash Jr.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The accusations come from the estate of Isaac Hayes, alleging unauthorized use of the famed song in Trump’s campaign rallies. Despite Trump’s team’s efforts to dismiss the case, Judge Thomas Thrash Jr. found sufficient plausibility in the copyright infringement claims. Trump had initially argued for dismissal, saying the estate was no longer the song’s owner, but the court disagreed citing the estate’s rights under US termination laws.
This lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump campaign and music artists like ABBA, Foo Fighters, and Beyoncé, who have all raised objections to their music being used without permission. Despite Trump’s camp claiming a BMI license, the court found it void, affirming the estate’s alleged ownership.
President Trump and his 2024 election campaign can’t get out of a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by the estate of legendary R&B singer Isaac Hayes for using the song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at rallies without a license. #gapol https://t.co/zCGXRuxbVX
— Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) April 2, 2025
Details of the Case
The lawsuit, filed on August 16, continues to capture media attention because of its high-profile nature. While the Hicks estate initially included multiple defendants, several have been dropped, simplifying the case. Trump’s lawyers pointed at Primary Wave’s rights over the song, but the estate’s recapture of rights in 2022 under the US Copyright Act of 1976 remains critical to the allegations.
“I think that the second amended complaint — in spite of all its problems, and there are quite a few — adequately alleges ownership of the work.” – Judge Thomas Thrash Jr.
This is yet another instance reflecting the contentious relationship between former President Trump and the creative world, echoing past disputes with several iconic artists. As the lawsuit moves forward, the eyes are on how such legal decisions influence music licensing for political campaigns.
Donald Trump denied dismissal of Isaac Hayes heirs’ copyright lawsuit – Music Business Worldwide https://t.co/WTZddHqxI0
— patesalo (@patesalo_e) April 4, 2025
Looking Ahead
Given the court’s ruling and decision to let the lawsuit proceed, a window into the complexities of copyright law and campaign ethics is reopened. Critics may question the political motivations behind music licensing disputes, and this case reminds us, once more, of the turbulent intersection between politics and artistic expression.
“No damages have been awarded, and no liability has been assessed.” – Ronald Coleman.
The outcome will set a precedent for future campaigns and artists’ rights, primarily if the court deems any consequential damages. Will Trump’s camp heed this warning, or will they continue using cultural icons’ work to express their message?
Copyright 2025, PatriotNews.net
