Judge Bans Donald Trump From Playing Music at Rallies

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump faced an unusual legal blow to his 2024 presidential campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris. A federal judge ordered Trump and his campaign not to use “Hold On, I’m Coming,” a tune the New York native had been playing at rallies for years.

The legal decision came after countless artists publicly demanded that Trump and his campaign stop using their music without permission. He’s previously faced backlash from Beyoncé, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Sinéad O’Connor, the estate of The Beatles, Adele, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Queen, Prince, the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Tom Petty, and more.

Isaac Hayes plays the piano in 1973. — Credit: John H. White

The estate of the late R&B artist Isaac Hayes requested an emergency injunction to stop Trump from using the Sam & Dave song he co-wrote with David Porter, “Hold On, I’m Coming.” The family claimed that Trump didn’t have permission to use Hayes’ art.

On Tuesday, Judge Thomas Thrash Jr. granted the emergency injunction in Atlanta, Georgia. However, he denied their request for the campaign to take down any recordings of Trump using the song.

Donald Trump gives directions to Kevin McCallister at the Plaza Hotel in 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.' — Credit: 20th Century Fox

“I do order Trump and his campaign to not use the song without proper license,” the federal judge said.

Hayes’ estate is the first to challenge Trump in court. They’re seeking “compensatory damages for the unauthorized use” of Hayes’ music during 2020 and 2024 campaign rallies. The legal battle will continue.

Former president Donald Trump stands at a podium with his name on it, looking to the side, at a rally with supporters in red hats visible in the background, similar to themes discussed on The View. — Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr

“We are very grateful and happy for the decision by Judge Thrash,” Isaac Hayes III said on Tuesday. “I want this to serve as an opportunity for other artists to come forward that don’t want their music used by Donald Trump or other political entities.”

Attorney Ronald Coleman spoke to the media on behalf of Trump. He said the campaign was pleased that the judge didn’t demand they remove old clips of Trump using “Hold On, I’m Coming”:

“The campaign has no interest in annoying or hurting anyone. And if the Hayes family feels it hurts or annoys them, that’s fine, we’re not going to force the issue.”

Donald Trump wearing a black suit, white shirt, and red tie, is speaking into a microphone. His hands are raised, and his mouth is open in mid-speech. A crowd is visible in the background, along with a sign that partially reads "MAKE AMERICA," reminiscent of a scene from Captain America 4 within the MCU. — Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr

According to The New Republic, Trump’s campaign used “Hold On, I’m Coming” as recently as August 9, 2024. The clip below shows Trump closing out a North Carolina rally with the Isaac Hayes song in 2022, dancing along and greeting his supporters.

The Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign claimed that Hayes’ estate isn’t the license holder for “Hold On, I’m Coming.”

At recent campaign stops, Trump used The Village People’s “YMCA.” The band has also asked the former president to stop using their music at rallies.

What song should former President Donald J. Trump play at his rallies instead of “Hold On, I’m Coming?” Share your ideas with Inside the Magic in the comments.