Isaac Hayes' Song Controversy with Trump

The family of late soul singer Isaac Hayes is demanding that former President Donald Trump cease using his song "Hold On, I’m Coming" at campaign rallies and pay $3 million in licensing fees. The request follows a notice of copyright infringement sent to Trump’s campaign, which has reportedly used the song without authorization on 134 occasions over the past two years. Hayes’ son, Isaac III, has publicly criticized Trump, labeling him a racist and unfit to represent his father's music. In a letter shared on social media, Hayes' family claims they have repeatedly asked the Trump campaign to stop using the song, which was originally composed in 1966 by Hayes and Dave Porter. The family’s attorney, James Walker, emphasized that the $3 million fee is significantly discounted compared to the standard rate of $150,000 per use, warning that litigation could result in costs ten times higher. The song, popularized by the duo Sam and Dave, has become a staple at Trump rallies, often played before and after his speeches. The family’s legal notice demands that all unauthorized uses of the song be halted immediately. They express their discontent with Trump’s representation, stating that they want no association with what they describe as his campaign of hate and racism. As of now, the Trump campaign has not responded to the family’s demands or the threat of legal action. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and artists regarding the use of music in political contexts.