Donald Trump has reignited controversy by demanding the prosecution of Kamala Harris, Beyoncé, Oprah, and Al Sharpton over what he calls “illegal” campaign payments during the 2024 election—accusing them of being secretly paid to endorse Harris, a claim denied by all parties but now fueling a fiery debate over money, celebrity, and fairness in American politics.

On July 27, 2025, former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social with an explosive accusation that instantly ignited political and cultural firestorms across the country.

From London, where Trump is currently on a four-day visit, he demanded that former Vice President Kamala Harris be prosecuted—along with entertainment giants Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and Al Sharpton—over what he claimed were “totally illegal” payments made during Harris’ failed 2024 presidential campaign.

In his post, Trump alleged that the Harris campaign funneled millions of dollars to celebrities in exchange for endorsements and appearances, claiming such payments violated federal election laws.

His tone was sharp, even theatrical: “YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PAY FOR AN ENDORSEMENT. IT IS TOTALLY ILLEGAL TO DO SO,” he wrote in all caps.

While Trump has made similar claims before, this time, he added specific figures and even more biting commentary: “Eleven Million Dollars to singer Beyoncé for an ENDORSEMENT (she never sang, not one note, and left the stage to a booing and angry audience!),

Three Million Dollars for ‘expenses,’ to Oprah, Six Hundred Thousand Dollars to very low rated TV ‘anchor,’ Al Sharpton (a total lightweight!), and others.”

The payments in question were part of a broader controversy during the final weeks of Harris’ 2024 campaign, which had drawn both excitement and criticism for its heavy celebrity involvement.

According to public filings, Beyoncé’s production company, Parkwood Entertainment, received \$165,000 for a rally in Houston on October 26, where Beyoncé delivered a speech but did not perform.

Oprah’s Harpo Productions received \$1 million for producing a live-streamed event in Michigan, while Sharpton’s National Action Network was paid \$500,000 for campaign coordination and appearances.

However, Trump cited entirely different figures—much higher and not clearly sourced. “He keeps inflating the numbers,” said one Democratic strategist privately.

“We disclosed everything and followed legal channels, but he’s crafting a narrative that’s perfect for his base.”

While Harris has not responded directly, her campaign previously stated that all celebrity-related payments were for legitimate production costs or event logistics—not for endorsements.

Oprah herself has insisted she “was not paid a dime” for her participation and emphasized that any payments covered production services, not personal fees.

In May, Trump had made similar accusations during a campaign stop in Arizona, asking his crowd, “How much did they pay Springsteen, Bono, and Beyoncé to show up and wave?”

He also claimed—without evidence—that Beyoncé was paid \$11 million, Oprah \$3 million, and Sharpton \$600,000. This pattern has persisted, though his claims have not resulted in any official legal actions.

Meanwhile, Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, previously denied reports that her daughter was paid to endorse Harris. “Beyoncé wasn’t paid to support any candidate.

She did it because she believes in the power of representation,” Knowles posted last year. Still, the speculation lingers—and Trump’s latest post is reigniting it with a vengeance.

Political analysts see Trump’s latest tirade as part of a broader strategy to discredit Harris and keep Democratic fundraising scandals in the headlines.

“It’s vintage Trump—blend outrage, celebrity, and accusations into one combustible message,” said political analyst Georgia Kline. “Even if the claims don’t hold up legally, they dominate the conversation.”

Trump’s attack also comes amid scrutiny over campaign spending by both parties. Harris’ campaign raised \$1.15 billion in official contributions and received an additional \$843 million from outside support, according to data from Open Secrets.

Trump, by contrast, had \$464 million in direct contributions and nearly \$1 billion in outside support. Yet Trump has repeatedly accused Democrats of unethical spending, especially when celebrity involvement is involved.

“It’s not just about the money,” Trump said in a second post later that evening. “It’s about fairness. If Republicans did this, we’d be in prison by now.”

Supporters of Harris argue that Trump’s statements are not only exaggerated but part of a calculated distraction from his own legal woes.

Trump is currently facing multiple investigations related to classified documents, election interference, and business practices. His critics view the Harris-celebrity endorsement saga as a political smokescreen.

Still, the accusations have created tension among celebrities, some of whom have remained silent while others push back quietly.

Oprah’s team declined to comment publicly this week, while Beyoncé’s representatives reiterated their stance that the singer did not receive personal compensation.

Social media exploded after Trump’s post, with the hashtags #ProsecuteBeyonce and #TrumpMeltdown trending simultaneously on X (formerly Twitter).

Some users mocked Trump’s claims, sharing memes of Beyoncé “not singing,” while others defended his outrage. “He’s right,” one commenter posted. “Why should billionaires be allowed to buy elections with glitter and Instagram stories?”

The public’s reaction is mixed, but the impact is undeniable. Trump’s comments have again placed celebrity influence in politics under the microscope, raising questions about where advocacy ends and transaction begins.

As for Harris, she has remained largely out of the spotlight since exiting the race in March 2024, following disappointing Super Tuesday results.

Despite early momentum and historic enthusiasm, her campaign ultimately collapsed under pressure from both the left and the right. Some insiders say she has been weighing future options—possibly even a Senate run or a return to legal work.

For now, though, Trump’s fiery accusations have put her, and the celebrities associated with her campaign, back at the center of a heated political storm. Whether it results in legal consequences remains unclear—but politically, the fire has already been lit.