Politics
‘Illegal Election Scam’: Trump Slams Alleged $11M Beyoncé Payment for Harris Rally
By Jake Beardslee · May 19, 2025
Trump Demands Probe into Harris’s Alleged $11M Beyoncé Payment
President Donald Trump has called for a “major investigation” into Vice President Kamala Harris’s use of celebrity endorsements during the 2024 presidential campaign, accusing her of illegally compensating Beyoncé $11 million for her brief appearance at a rally in Texas. Aaron E. Martinez / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Trump Claims Beyoncé Took $11M to Endorse Harris, Then Left Stage
In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed, “According to news reports, Beyoncé was paid $11,000,000 to walk onto a stage, quickly ENDORSE KAMALA, and walk off to loud booing for never having performed, NOT EVEN ONE SONG!” The White House / Wikimedia
Trump Labels Harris Endorsements ‘Illegal Election Scam’
He labeled the alleged transaction an “illegal election scam at the highest level,” asserting it violated campaign finance laws. “Candidates aren’t allowed to pay for ENDORSEMENTS, which is what Kamala did, under the guise of paying for entertainment,” Trump continued. Saul Loeb-Pool via Imagn Images
Campaign Records Dispute Trump’s Claim, Beyoncé’s Family Responds
Though Beyoncé did appear at the Houston rally with Harris, she did not perform—a contrast to her active participation in Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign. Campaign finance records show Beyoncé’s production company received $165,000 from the Harris campaign, according to The Guardian, far less than the amount Trump alleges. Beyoncé’s mother stated that the singer “did not receive a penny.” Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Trump Names Springsteen, Oprah, Bono in Broader Allegation
Trump also implicated other celebrities, including Bruce Springsteen, Oprah Winfrey, and Bono, alleging they too may have received improper compensation. “Bruce Springsteen, Oprah, Bono and, perhaps, many others, have a lot of explaining to do!!!” he posted. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Harris Relied on Star Power in Final Weeks of 2024 Campaign
The Harris campaign heavily leaned on celebrity support in the final weeks of the race. Appearances included Stevie Wonder singing “Redemption Song” in Georgia, a joint rally with Barack Obama in Atlanta featuring Springsteen and filmmaker Spike Lee, and another Texas event with Willie Nelson. Jasper Colt-USA TODAY