- Trump accused top celebrities of receiving millions in exchange for political endorsements.
- Claims include $11M for Beyoncé, $3M for Oprah, and $600K for Rev. Al Sharpton.
- He calls these payments “illegal” and urges prosecution of involved figures.
- The post arrives amid scrutiny over Trump’s own controversies, including Epstein-related questions.
- No official response yet from Beyoncé, Oprah, Sharpton, or the Biden campaign.
The Big Picture
On Saturday, President Donald J. Trump unleashed a fresh barrage of accusations on Truth Social, claiming that the Democratic Party illegally paid millions of dollars to celebrities like Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and Rev. Al Sharpton in exchange for public endorsements during the 2024 election campaign.
Trump labeled the payments “totally illegal,” asserting that paying for endorsements violates campaign finance laws. He demanded prosecutions, specifically naming Vice President Kamala Harris and others associated with the endorsement deals.
What’s New
According to Trump, the Democrats paid:
- $11 million to Beyoncé, who he says “never sang one note” and exited to boos.
- $3 million to Oprah Winfrey for unspecified “expenses.”
- $600,000 to Al Sharpton, whom he referred to as “a total lightweight.”
“YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PAY FOR AN ENDORSEMENT. IT IS TOTALLY ILLEGAL TO DO SO,” Trump emphasized in all caps. He further accused Democrats of improperly recording the payments in financial disclosures.
Background: Celebrity Influence in U.S. Politics
The 2024 presidential election saw a historic level of celebrity involvement. Beyoncé and Oprah were among the most prominent cultural icons voicing support for the Democratic ticket. Trump has previously targeted both figures, accusing them of political bias and elitism.
While celebrity endorsements are legal when voluntary, federal election laws prohibit certain types of coordination and undisclosed compensation. Trump’s new accusations suggest a deliberate violation of those laws, though he provided no direct evidence beyond the statement.
Federal investigators from the Department of Justice recently conducted a two-day interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend and convicted accomplice, at a secure facility in Tallahassee, Florida. Sources say she provided new details about Epstein’s private flights, including passenger interactions and international stops.
Coincidentally, President Trump was in Scotland during this period, sparking renewed debate over whether his absence was deliberately timed. Critics argue the former president is attempting to shift focus away from the Epstein fallout, where newly unsealed flight logs and testimonies have implicated numerous high-profile figures from politics and business.
Trump and Clinton Took Multiple Rides on Epstein’s Planes
Several media outlets, including Palm Beach Post, and Virginia Times have published reports detailing Epstein’s private travel records and connections. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or significant relationship with Epstein, despite photographic evidence and overlapping social circles dating back to the early 2000s.
What They’re Saying
No responses have yet been issued by Beyoncé, Oprah, or Rev. Sharpton regarding Trump’s allegations. Legal analysts suggest that even if such payments occurred, proving criminality would require detailed financial records and intent.
What’s Next
Legal experts say if Trump’s allegations have any merit, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) or Department of Justice could open an inquiry. However, the burden of proof would be high, requiring documented transactions, coordination, and intent to deceive.
The Biden campaign has not commented on the accusations as of Sunday morning.
The Bottom Line
President Trump’s Saturday post adds another layer of political tension amid an already volatile media cycle. Whether the celebrity endorsement claims trigger official investigations or simply serve as another flashpoint in the 2024–25 political feud remains to be seen.
Polls Show Sharp Drop in Trump Approval Amid Epstein Scandal
Epstein Files Renew Scrutiny of Trump’s Ties
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