Trump Targets Disney Star Over Alleged Campaign Bribe That Never Happened
In the final months leading up to the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris received numerous endorsements from high-profile celebrities. Among them were Beyoncé, Oprah, Reverend Al Sharpton, and others, all of whom voiced their support for Harris as she faced off against former President Donald Trump.
However, as the political tension grew, accusations began to surface, with Trump accusing these celebrities of receiving large sums of money in exchange for their endorsements.
Related: Disney Legend Endorses Kamala Harris Days Before Volatile Election
Mr. Trump’s social media posts have frequently sparked controversy, and this time, surrounding accusations about celebrity endorsements during the 2024 Presidential campaign. The latest claims center on singer Beyoncé, with Trump alleging that she received illegal payments for her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.
However, these accusations have been met with backlash, as the truth behind the payments quickly came to light. In this article, we break down the situation, the facts, and the wider implications of these false claims.
Trump’s post on Truth Social stirred the conversation, claiming that the Harris campaign had paid Beyoncé $11 million for her endorsement, calling it a “totally illegal” act. He also accused Oprah and Sharpton of receiving large payments for their support.
Related: Is Disney’s Next CEO Pick Influenced by a Close Kamala Harris Connection?
According to Trump, these endorsements were not legitimate, and were instead part of an illicit campaign financing operation.
I’m looking at the large amount of money owed by the Democrats, after the Presidential Election, and the fact that they admit to paying, probably illegally, Eleven Million Dollars to singer Beyoncé for an ENDORSEMENT (she never sang, not one note, and left the stage to a booing and angry audience!), Three Million Dollars for “expenses,” to Oprah, Six Hundred Thousand Dollars to very low rated TV “anchor,” Al Sharpton (a total lightweight!), and others to be named for doing, absolutely NOTHING! These ridiculous fees were incorrectly stated in the books and records. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PAY FOR AN ENDORSEMENT. IT IS TOTALLY ILLEGAL TO DO SO. Can you imagine what would happen if politicians started paying for people to endorse them. All hell would break out! Kamala, and all of those that received Endorsement money, BROKE THE LAW. They should all be prosecuted! Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Related: Trump Slams ‘The View,’ Suggests Network Could Pull the Plug Over Recent Comments
While these claims were dramatic, they were quickly debunked. The truth is that Beyoncé was not paid $11 million for her endorsement. According to campaign finance records viewed by CNN, the total payment for her attendance at the rally was a much more modest $165,000. This payment was made in accordance with campaign finance laws, which require campaigns to cover the reasonable costs of holding events, such as stage setup, travel, and other necessary expenses.
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) rules also made it clear that any payment for services rendered during a campaign event, such as a performer’s fee, is considered an in-kind contribution, not a direct donation. This means that the payment was entirely within legal boundaries and there was no illicit activity involved.
Despite the accusations, Beyoncé has yet to respond publicly to Trump’s claims.
What do you think? Should celebrities take legal action, or is it better to ignore these falsehoods and move on? What about when the lies are coming from someone as powerful as Donald Trump? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
