In the early hours of Sunday, US President Donald Trump used his social media platform, Truth Social, to call for the “prosecution” of Democrats who “illegally” paid millions to high-profile figures. He asserted that the Democrats owed his administration a significant sum due to their “endorsement” efforts before the presidential elections. He criticized singer Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, warning that “all hell would break out” if paid political endorsements were legalized.
In his post, the US president stated, “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…” He claimed that Beyoncé received $11 million for an “endorsement,” along with $3 million to Oprah for “expenses.” He also noted that “low-rated TV anchor” Al Sharpton took $600,000 for political endorsements.
He noted about Beyoncé, “She didn't sing a single note and walked off the stage to a booing and furious crowd!” While Trump asserted that those mentioned took money for the campaign, neither they nor the Democrats have responded to the accusation.
“Can you picture the chaos that would ensue if politicians began paying for endorsements? It would be total mayhem! Kamala and everyone who got endorsement money broke the law. They all deserve to be prosecuted,” Trump stated in his post on Truth Social.
After this, in another post, Trump also warned media outlets such as NBC and ABC, claiming they are "political tools for the Democrat Party." He stated, "I believe their licenses could and should be taken away! MAGA."
Trump's clash with "endorsements"
This isn't the first instance of Trump targeting Beyoncé and other celebrities over "illegal campaign contributions." Earlier this May, he criticized Bruce Springsteen and Bono as well. Trump called for a "major investigation" into Bono's backing of Harris. The dispute between Trump and Springsteen made headlines in Hollywood when Bono, on a talk show, declared, "There is only one Boss in America," referencing Springsteen due to his opposition to the Trump administration.
Previously, Oprah refuted all allegations of such payments, stating she was "not paid a dime" to join Harris during her campaign. The event was estimated to be a $1 million live-stream. "The people who worked on that production needed to be paid. And were. End of story," Oprah remarked at the time.
