President Donald J. Trump has stirred controversy by calling for an investigation into celebrity endorsements during former Vice President Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign. The allegations suggest that high-profile figures, including musicians and media personalities, may have received illegal payments disguised as legitimate campaign expenses. Trump's accusations, voiced in a late-night Truth Social post on May 19, 2025, specifically target Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and Bono.
Trump's post questions the legality of the financial relationships between the Harris campaign and celebrities who publicly supported her. He implies that these endorsements, compensated under the guise of entertainment services, contradict campaign finance regulations. "How much did Kamala Harris pay Bruce Springsteen for his poor performance during her campaign for president? Why did he accept that money if he is such a fan of hers?" Trump's post read, challenging the authenticity of Springsteen's support.
The former President's statements come in the wake of Springsteen's critical comments about the Trump administration during a Manchester concert, where Springsteen described it as "corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous." This exchange of disparaging remarks underscores the tension between Trump and influential entertainment figures.
In response to Trump's allegations, financial records from the Harris campaign have come under scrutiny. Politico's investigation revealed a payment of $165,000 to Beyoncé's production company for the use of her song "Freedom" at campaign events. Beyoncé's mother has since clarified that the payment was strictly for the song's licensing, not for an endorsement.
Similarly, Oprah Winfrey's involvement has been questioned following the disclosure of a $1,000,000 payment from the Harris campaign to her company, Harpo Productions. Winfrey hosted a high-profile town hall event in Detroit for Harris, but has denied receiving a personal fee for her campaign participation.
Basketball superstar LeBron James is also facing scrutiny after his production company received $50,000 for what was listed as "campaign event production." The timing and nature of this payment have raised eyebrows, especially in light of James's video endorsement of Harris.
Trump's call for investigations into the matter emphasizes his belief that such financial arrangements represent an attempt to manufacture the appearance of widespread support and compromise election integrity. He labeled the celebrities involved as "unpatriotic 'entertainers'" and described the system as "CORRUPT & UNLAWFUL."
As the debate unfolds, questions regarding the use of celebrity endorsements in political campaigns and the transparency of related financial transactions persist. This issue touches upon the broader concerns of campaign finance law and its implications for democracy.
