On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to initiate a “major investigation” into Kamala Harris, his 2024 election rival, over allegations surrounding celebrity involvement in her failed presidential campaign.
“Candidates aren’t allowed to pay for ENDORSEMENTS, which is what Kamala did, under the guise of paying for entertainment,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “I am going to call for a major investigation into this matter.”
Harris had sought support from high-profile figures like Beyonce and Oprah Winfrey during her campaign. Winfrey responded to scrutiny over a $1 million payment to her production company from the Harris team by stating it covered expenses related to hosting Harris. Harris’s camp, on the other hand, denied widespread speculation that the campaign paid Beyonce $10 million to appear at a rally.
In campaign finance disclosures, the only endorsement-related expense listed by Harris’s team was a $75 payment to an environmental advocacy group.
While Trump won the election by a wide margin, he received limited backing from the mainstream entertainment world, instead relying on support from outspoken personalities such as podcast host Joe Rogan.
On Monday, Trump also criticized Beyonce, Winfrey, and Bruce Springsteen, accusing Harris of compensating the rock star for a rally appearance in Georgia during the final weeks of her campaign.
“How much did Kamala Harris pay Bruce Springsteen for his poor performance during her campaign for president?” Trump posted. “Why did he accept that money if he is such a fan of hers?”
Trump had previously clashed with Springsteen after the musician, speaking at a concert in the UK, claimed the United States was now governed by a “corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration.” In response, Trump called Springsteen “Highly Overrated.”
A vocal critic of Trump, Springsteen backed Harris after she replaced President Joe Biden, who withdrew from his reelection bid.
What you should know
President Trump has announced plans to investigate Kamala Harris’s campaign over alleged celebrity endorsement payments, questioning financial ties with public figures who supported her during the election.
The move adds fuel to Trump’s ongoing feud with prominent entertainers critical of his administration.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM VERILY NEWS
