Trump claims Harris paid for celebrity endorsements following criticism from Springsteen.
Former President Donald Trump has directed criticism toward former Vice President Kamala Harris, alleging that her presidential campaign improperly compensated high-profile celebrities for their endorsements. In a post made on his Truth Social platform late Sunday, Trump specifically mentioned notable figures such as Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and Bono, suggesting that their fees were disguised as entertainment payments, which he claims could constitute illegal campaign contributions.
In a series of posts, Trump posed provocative questions regarding the payments made to these celebrities, particularly targeting Springsteen. He questioned the legitimacy of the financial arrangements, implying that if Springsteen truly supported Harris, accepting such payment would be questionable. Furthermore, he called attention to Beyoncé, Oprah, and Bono, demanding transparency about the sums received during the campaign period.
Bono, while he was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden, has not publicly endorsed Harris. Winfrey has refuted rumors that she received million for hosting a virtual town hall in support of Harris, clarifying that no payment went directly to her but instead covered production costs for the event, consistent with campaign financial regulations.
Beyoncé engaged with the Harris campaign by sanctioning the use of her song “Freedom” and introducing the candidate at a rally in Houston, although she did not perform. Trump has alleged that the amount paid to Beyoncé amounts to million, a claim that has yet to be substantiated.
This recent round of attacks is not the first instance of Trump criticizing Springsteen; he previously labeled the musician as “dumb as a rock” following comments made by Springsteen about the state of the U.S. government. The juxtaposition of Trump’s celebrity endorsements, including support from figures like Kid Rock, Amber Rose, and Hulk Hogan, with his recent accusations highlights the contentious relationship between celebrity culture and political campaigning.
As the political landscape evolves in the run-up to the elections, the scrutiny of financial transactions involving celebrity endorsements is likely to become a focal point in campaign dialogues. The ramifications of Trump’s allegations, if substantiated, could lead to significant implications for Harris’ campaign and the broader political climate.
