On 27 July 2025, Donald Trump publicly accused Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Oprah Winfrey, and Reverend Al Sharpton of receiving illegal payments in exchange for endorsing former Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.
Trump alleged on his Truth Social platform that the Harris campaign paid Beyoncé $11 million (R200.2 million), Oprah $3 million (R54.6 million), and Sharpton $600,000 (R10.92 million).
However, no verified documentation currently supports these claims.
The US Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings directly contradict the figures Trump cited, showing significantly lower and legally justifiable amounts for campaign-related services.
Campaign Records Reveal Legal and Transparent Transactions
According to FEC records, Beyoncé’s company, Parkwood Entertainment, received $165,000 (R3.01 million) for a fundraising concert.
The payment covered event production and not a personal endorsement.
Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions produced a nationally televised town hall featuring Kamala Harris and received $1 million (R18.25 million) for the event.
Campaign filings and New York Post reporting confirmed this figure. Meanwhile, the Harris campaign donated $500 000 (R9.12 million) to the National Action Network, founded by Reverend Al Sharpton.
The Harris campaign publicly disclosed the donation but did not specify its exact purpose in official filings. No evidence links the payment to any endorsement. FactCheck.org and PolitiFact state that such payments are legal if they reflect fair market value and are properly reported.
Legal experts also confirm that no verified evidence supports Donald Trump’s claim that these celebrities were paid to endorse Harris.
Celebrity Responses and Public Denials Mount
Tina Knowles publicly stated that Beyoncé did not receive payment to support Kamala Harris. She stated on Instagram that her daughter covered all personal costs.
Oprah Winfrey also responded to the allegations. She confirmed she received no personal payment from the campaign. Instead, Harpo Productions handled event staffing and production under a formal contract.
Meanwhile, Reverend Al Sharpton’s team addressed the controversy. They denied that he took payment for endorsement.
They also explained that campaign funds supported community outreach and event logistics. Legal experts also confirmed the transactions were lawful. The payments were disclosed and reflected fair market value.
Legal Experts Reject Trump’s Prosecution Demands
Legal analysts have raised doubts about Donald Trump’s recent calls for criminal charges against Democrats and celebrities who supported Kamala Harris.
US campaign finance law permits payments to individuals or entities if campaigns properly disclose them, ensure they reflect fair market value for legitimate services, and avoid using them for personal benefit unrelated to campaign activity.
However, legality may still depend on the payment’s intent and context, as determined by the Federal Election Commission or the Department of Justice.
According to FEC filings and public records, the Harris campaign paid Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment and Oprah’s Harpo Productions for event production, not endorsements.
However, no verified legal expert has confirmed that Trump’s accusations meet the threshold for criminal prosecution.
DO CELEBRITY CAMPAIGN ROLES NEED STRICTER FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT?
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