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Donald Trump claims Beyonce, Oprah broke law in Harris endorsement deal

Donald Trump claims Beyonce, Oprah broke law in Harris endorsement deal

News.com.au2 days ago
Beyonce. Oprah Winfrey. Kamala Harris.
US President Donald Trump has taken aim at the trio of influential women, saying they 'should be prosecuted' during a stunning late-night rant.
Mr Trump took to Truth Social to unleash in a major way, posting the rant at 7.45pm Scotland time, where he is currently on a weekend golfing trip.
Mr Trump alleged that Beyonce never sang despite being paid USD$11 (AUD$16) million to endorse Mrs Harris before her speech at a campaign rally in Houston, Texas. Mr Trump also highlighted amounts allegedly paid to talk show host Oprah and TV personality Reverend Al Sharpton.
He also said the large amount of money spent by his Democratic opponents during the 2024 election will be reviewed, and that payment was 'probably illegally' made.
'I'm looking at the large amount of money owed by the Democrats, after the Presidential Election, and the fact that they admit to paying, probably illegally, 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 to be named for doing, absolutely nothing!', Mr Trump posted on Truth Social.
'These ridiculous fees were incorrectly stated in the books and records. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PAY FOR AN ENDORSEMENT. IT IS TOTALLY ILLEGAL TO DO SO.
'Can you imagine what would happen if politicians started paying for people to endorse them. All hell would break out! Kamala, and all of those that received Endorsement money, BROKE THE LAW.'
He continued: 'They should all be prosecuted! Thank you for your attention to this matter.'
However, there's no evidence that those named in Mr Trump's post received payment for their endorsement by the Democratic campaign.
Oprah previously said she 'was not paid a dime' for the appearance, however 'the people who worked on that production needed to be paid. And were. End of story'. The Harris campaign has also denied making any endorsement payment for Beyonce.
Mr Trump has made similar allegations previously. In December, he wrote that 'Beyoncé didn't sing, Oprah didn't do much of anything (she called it 'expenses') and Al is just a third-rate conman'.
He's also no stranger to using legal threats.
Beyonce and Oprah aren't the only celebrities Mr Trump has criticised. Earlier this week, he addressed CBS' shocking decision to cancel The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, seemingly suggesting that other late night hosts should get a similar treatment.
Of particular focus was his longtime critic, Jimmy Kimmel.
'I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings,' Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
'I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert!'
Mr Kimmel and Mr Trump have reportedly been feuding for years. When Mr Trump won the presidency in 2024, Mr Kimmel called it a 'terrible night' for democracy and announced he was on Trump's 'list of enemies'.
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