Trump accuses Harris of ‘illegal celebrity endorsements’ in 2024 race

President Donald Trump has demanded a comprehensive investigation into allegations that former Vice President Kamala Harris paid celebrities to endorse her during the 2024 US presidential election campaign.

Trump, in a Truth Social post, accused Harris of offering substantial financial incentives to high-profile figures in an effort to bolster her campaign against him. “I will demand a thorough investigation into Kamala Harris paying celebrities LARGE SUMS OF MONEY to support her in the elections,” Trump stated.

In the post, Trump framed the alleged payments as an attempt to manipulate public opinion, calling it a violation of electoral integrity.

The allegations stem from Harris’s high-profile endorsements by celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, and George Clooney during the 2024 campaign.

These figures publicly supported Harris, with Swift announcing her endorsement on Instagram after the September 2024 presidential debate, citing Harris’s advocacy for key rights and issues. Beyoncé appeared at a Harris rally in Pennsylvania, performing and expressing support, while Lopez campaigned with Harris in Nevada, criticizing Trump’s rhetoric.

Trump’s campaign has pointed to the star-studded nature of Harris’s rallies as evidence of potential impropriety—though no concrete evidence of payments has been presented publicly. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulates campaign contributions and expenditures, including paid endorsements, which must be disclosed.

Legal experts note that while paid endorsements are permissible, they must comply with transparency requirements. Undisclosed payments could potentially violate campaign finance laws.

As of this reporting, Harris’s campaign has not issued a direct response to Trump’s latest claims. However, throughout the 2024 election cycle, the campaign emphasized the organic nature of her celebrity support, highlighting how the endorsers aligned with her positions on healthcare, immigration, and social justice.

A report by Axios noted that celebrity endorsements played a significant role in mobilizing voters, with Harris benefiting from stars who had previously supported President Joe Biden.

Political analysts are divided on the implications of Trump’s call for an investigation. Some view it as a strategic move to shift focus from early challenges in his administration, while others see it as consistent with his skepticism toward establishment figures, particularly in Hollywood.

The controversy has reignited debate about the influence of celebrities in US politics.

A 2024 report by Al Jazeera highlighted how endorsements from figures like Elon Musk and Hulk Hogan for Trump, and Swift and Clooney for Harris, shaped public discourse and voter turnout efforts. While Musk provided significant financial backing for Trump’s campaign, Harris’s celebrity supporters largely focused on public appearances and social media advocacy.

As of now, no formal investigation has been announced by the FEC or other authorities. Trump’s team has not specified which celebrities or payments are under scrutiny, and the lack of detailed evidence has led some to question the feasibility of the proposed probe.

The White House and former Vice President Harris’s office have yet to comment officially.

Political observers anticipate that this issue will remain a flashpoint as Trump’s administration navigates its early days, potentially influencing future rules on campaign finance and celebrity involvement in US elections.