Trump targets celebrities in claims of campaign violations, urges federal probe

US President Donald Trump called for a "major investigation" into what he alleged were unlawful campaign contributions made through celebrity performances during Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign.

His remarks, shared on his Truth Social platform, targeted prominent figures including Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Oprah Winfrey, and Bono, accusing them of engaging in politically motivated acts under questionable legal pretenses, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“How much did Kamala Harris pay Bruce Springsteen for his poor performance during her campaign for president?” Trump wrote, questioning the financial and legal basis for the artist’s appearance.

“Why did he accept that money if he is such a fan of hers? Isn't that a major and illegal campaign contribution? What about Beyoncé? ...and how much went to Oprah, and Bono???”

The president alleged that payments for such performances may have masked prohibited endorsements, suggesting that what appeared to be campaign entertainment could, in fact, constitute undisclosed campaign support. “I am going to call for a major investigation into this matter,” he continued. “Candidates aren't allowed to pay for endorsements, which is what Kamala did, under the guise of paying for entertainment.”

Trump further argued that the events were part of a coordinated attempt to generate enthusiasm amid what he described as poor public turnout for Harris. “In addition, this was a very expensive and desperate effort to artificially build up her sparse crowds. It's not legal!” he wrote, concluding with a broader critique of the entertainers involved: “For these unpatriotic 'entertainers,' this was just a corrupt & unlawful way to capitalize on a broken system.”

Neither the Harris campaign nor the celebrities mentioned have responded publicly to Trump’s accusations. Campaign finance experts have yet to weigh in on the specifics of Trump’s claims, though payments for campaign performances are generally legal if properly reported as services rendered and not in-kind donations.

By Vafa Guliyeva