Trump Faces Cease-and-Desist from Isaac Hayes Estate Over Unauthorized Song Use

Donald Trump has received a cease-and-desist letter from the estate of legendary R&B artist Isaac Hayes, demanding that he immediately stop playing the song "Hold On, I’m Coming" at his campaign rallies. The estate claims that Trump has used the song without authorization and has requested $3 million in compensation for its unauthorized use, which they allege has occurred over a hundred times since 2022. The letter, sent on Sunday, emphasizes that despite repeated requests to cease this illegal use, Trump has continued to play the track. The cease-and-desist letter outlines the estate's grievances and sets a deadline for Trump and his legal team to respond by August 16. Failure to comply could result in legal action. Isaac Hayes III, the son of the late artist, expressed his frustration on social media, highlighting the disrespect shown by Trump in using the song, particularly on the anniversary of his father's death. He criticized Trump for his perceived lack of integrity and class, linking the unauthorized use of the song to broader issues of respect and representation. "Hold On, I’m Coming," co-written by Hayes and David Porter in 1966, became a significant hit for Sam & Dave, dominating the Billboard R&B charts. This incident is not isolated, as Trump has faced similar complaints from various artists, including Celine Dion, Tom Petty, and Rihanna, regarding unauthorized music use at his rallies. The ongoing disputes underscore the tensions between political figures and artists over the use of music in campaign settings.