Court rulings or legal settlements

Trump Accuses Democrats of Illegally Paying Millions to Beyoncé, Oprah, and Sharpton for Kamala Harris Endorsements

Dec 28, 2024, 01:55 PM

Former President Donald Trump has accused the Democrats of illegally paying millions of dollars for celebrity endorsements during Kamala Harris's campaign. Trump specifically mentioned payments of $11 million to Beyoncé, $2 million to Oprah Winfrey, and $500,000 to Reverend Al Sharpton, claiming these transactions were against the law. Trump criticized the lack of performance from these celebrities in return for the payments, suggesting that Beyoncé did not sing, Oprah did little, and Sharpton was a 'third rate Con Man.' There is no evidence provided that these celebrities were paid specifically for endorsements, though some payments from the Harris campaign have been scrutinized by critics. Federal Election Commission filings show that $1 million was paid to Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions during the campaign, and Beyoncé performed in Houston for Harris, with any costs associated with the performance likely being ancillary. Two $250,000 payments were also made to Sharpton's National Action Network.