Former President Donald Trump recently criticized Kamala Harris, the former Vice President, over allegations that she paid for endorsements from high-profile celebrities during her unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2024. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that Harris had spent significant sums on endorsements from figures like Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey, suggesting that these payments were illegal.
Trump’s comments came as he addressed what he described as a large debt owed by the Democratic Party following the election. He specifically mentioned an alleged payment of $11 million to Beyoncé, stating that she did not perform during the campaign and left an event to a chorus of boos. He also claimed that Harris paid Oprah $3 million for "expenses" and $600,000 to Al Sharpton, whom he referred to as a "total lightweight."
In his post, Trump insisted that paying for endorsements is against the law and called for an investigation into those involved. He expressed outrage over what he sees as a violation of campaign finance laws, stating, “Can you imagine what would happen if politicians started paying for people to endorse them? All hell would break out!”
While Trump’s accusations have generated buzz, it’s important to note that both Winfrey and Beyoncé have denied being paid simply for their endorsements. Winfrey clarified that she did not take a personal fee but that her team needed to be compensated for their work. Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, also dismissed Trump’s claims, calling them a "lie."
This incident highlights ongoing tensions in American politics, particularly surrounding campaign financing and celebrity involvement in elections. As the conversation continues, it raises questions about the ethics of endorsements and the influence of money in political campaigns.
