President Donald Trump on Monday called for a federal investigation into Vice President Kamala Harris' 2024 campaign, alleging that payments made to celebrity production companies were illegal in-kind contributions disguised as entertainment expenses. In an early morning Truth Social post, Trump wrote in all caps: "I am going to call for a major investigation into this matter," singling out Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Bruce Springsteen, and U2 frontman Bono.
Trump claimed the Harris campaign used "a very expensive and desperate effort to artificially build up her sparse crowds," adding, "IT'S NOT LEGAL! For these unpatriotic 'entertainers,' this was just a CORRUPT & UNLAWFUL way to capitalize on a broken system."
His post followed a week of heightened tensions with several performers. Springsteen, who recently began a national tour, referred to the Trump administration as "corrupt, incompetent and treasonous." Trump fired back, calling the singer "a pushy, obnoxious JERK" and "a dried-out 'prune' of a rocker."
Federal Election Commission records show the Harris campaign paid $1 million to Oprah's Harpo Productions and $165,000 to Beyoncé's Parkwood Entertainment for campaign events in late 2024. Additionally, Springsteen's Thrill Hill Productions was paid $75,000. However, none of the celebrities have been reported to have received personal fees.
Responding to rumors, Oprah stated in a video, "I did not take any personal fee. However, the people who worked on that production needed to be paid. And were. End of story." Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mother, similarly said on Instagram, "Beyoncé did not receive a penny," and even "paid for her own flights for her and her team."
Adrienne Elrod, a senior adviser to Harris' campaign, told Deadline last year, "We have never paid any artist and performer. We have never paid a fee to that person." She clarified that the campaign was legally required to cover production and event-related costs: There "are laws that have to be followed."
At a Houston rally, Beyoncé said: "I'm not here as a celebrity, I'm not here as a politician. I'm here as a mother... who cares deeply about the world my children and all of our children live in."
The FEC has not responded publicly to Trump's demand. No formal complaint has been announced, and it remains unclear whether any enforcement action will be pursued.
