Trump Accuses Harris of Buying Celebrity Endorsements

President Donald Trump has reiterated his allegations that Vice President Kamala Harris illegally paid celebrities, including Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and Al Sharpton, to endorse her during the 2024 presidential election. Trump claimed that Harris paid $11 million to Beyoncé, $3 million to Oprah, and $600,000 to Sharpton, accusing them of breaking the law and calling for their prosecution. Oprah Winfrey denied receiving any payment for her endorsement, clarifying that only production costs for a broadcast were covered by Harris’s campaign. The Harris campaign also denied paying Beyoncé for an endorsement, although Federal Election Commission records show a payment of $165,000 to Beyoncé's production company, which is typically related to event production costs rather than direct endorsements. Trump has made these accusations multiple times since late last year, emphasizing that paying for endorsements is illegal and demands legal accountability. The controversy centers on the distinction between legitimate campaign expenses and illegal payments for endorsements.