President Trump advocates for a criminal investigation into Beyoncé, alleging she made a quasi-illegal payment in support of Kamala Harris' presidential campaign.
Beyoncé made her endorsement of Kamala Harris official at a rally in Houston, Texas, in October 2024. During her speech, she emphasised themes of freedom and empowerment, urging people to vote and highlighting the historic significance of seeing a woman in such a position of power.
In her address, Beyoncé stated, "Your freedom is your God-given right, your human right." She also added, "It's time for America to sing a new song," when describing Harris' presidential bid. The song "Freedom" was subsequently used by Harris' campaign as their official campaign song.
However, the endorsement was met with controversy when former President Donald Trump made a claim on Truth Social that Beyoncé was allegedly paid $11 million to endorse Harris' presidential bid. This claim was first made in July 2023. It is unclear where Trump got the unsubstantiated $11 million figure.
The Harris campaign had previously rejected a rumour that it paid Beyoncé $10 million for her endorsement, which spread on social media last year. In response to Trump's allegations, the campaign did not provide further comment.
Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mother, pushed back at the $10 million rumour in a November 2024 Instagram post, calling it "false information" and a "lie." She also added that Beyoncé "actually paid for her own flights for her and her team."
Trump accused other celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Al Sharpton, of receiving endorsement payments. He suggested that if politicians paid for endorsements, "all hell would break out." However, it is important to note that the Federal Election Commission does not have rules explicitly prohibiting candidates from paying for endorsements.
At the time of Trump's original allegations in May, the Federal Election Commission had no record of an $11 million payment to Beyoncé from Harris' presidential campaign. USA TODAY reached out to a representative for Beyoncé for comment but did not receive a response.
Interestingly, Harris attended Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour in 2023 just outside of Washington, D.C., after Beyoncé gifted Harris tickets. At her October 2024 rally appearance, Beyoncé added that she was "not here as a celebrity... I'm here as a mother."
Trump accused Harris and others who received endorsement money of breaking the law and called for prosecution. However, the legality of such endorsement deals remains unclear and is likely a topic for further discussion and investigation.
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