President Donald Trump delivers a special commencement address to University of Alabama graduates at Coleman Coliseum. Graduation occurs over the weekend. Trump tells a story about a female weight lifter struggling in a competition with a trans weight lifter.
Washington D.C. – President Donald Trump is calling for a “major investigation” into high-profile entertainers who supported Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign. This raises questions about whether appearances by stars like Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and U2’s Bono amounted to illegal campaign contributions.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed that these performers were improperly paid for endorsements “under the guise of entertainment,” calling the alleged payments “corrupt,” “unpatriotic,” and “unlawful.” He questioned, “HOW MUCH DID KAMALA HARRIS PAY BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN FOR HIS POOR PERFORMANCE DURING HER CAMPAIGN?”
Federal Election Commission (FEC) records show that Harris’ campaign paid production companies associated with the celebrities—$165,000 to Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment, $1 million to Oprah’s Harpo Productions, and $75,000 to Springsteen’s Thrill Hill Productions. Oprah previously clarified that she did not take a personal fee, and Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, has debunked viral claims of a $10 million payment, calling them “false information.”
It’s worth noting that staging a performance by artists of this caliber typically involves extensive production costs. From stage crews and lighting technicians to sound engineers and tour staff, the logistics required to produce even a brief campaign performance can run into six- or seven-figure sums—particularly when accommodating high-security events or customizing performances for a political venue. Industry insiders say fees paid to production companies often reflect these behind-the-scenes expenses rather than any personal appearance fee for the artist.
Still, Trump’s accusations arrive amid a renewed feud with Springsteen. The musician opened his recent tour by criticizing the Trump administration as “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous.” Trump responded online, calling Springsteen a “pushy, obnoxious JERK” and a “dried-out ‘prune’ of a rocker.” Springsteen fired back, warning that political developments “are altering the very nature of our country’s democracy.”
The FEC has yet to comment publicly, and there’s no indication that Trump’s legal team will ever file a formal complaint. Legal experts suggest the issue hinges on the distinction between paid entertainment and in-kind contributions. The FEC typically permits artists to perform at campaign events if payments cover production costs without personal compensation, though the nuance remains a legal gray area.
Critics have pointed out that Trump’s latest outburst may serve more to energize his base than to raise meaningful legal concerns. The spectacle comes as the nation grapples with far more pressing crises: a deadly domestic terror attack in Palm Springs, ongoing trade tensions, surging deportations, and escalating global instability.
“While the former president fixates on celebrity appearances,” said one political analyst, “millions of Americans are more worried about jobs, safety, and the future of democracy itself.”
