President Donald Trump called for investigations of big-name performers who backed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
The president unspooled a late-night rant against Bruce Springsteen, Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé and Bono for their support of the vice president he ultimately defeated in November's election, posting on Truth Social at 1:34 a.m. EST that all four megastars should be investigated for allegedly illegal campaign contributions.
"How much did Kamala Harris pay Bruce Springsteen for his poor performance during her campaign for president?" Trump posted in all capital letters. "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 Harris campaign paid $1 million to Winfrey's production company for a “Unite for America” livestream rally in September, but it's not clear whether Springsteen or Beyoncé received any payments for their rally performances. Beyoncé's mother insisted "she did not receive a penny," and it's not clear that Bono even campaigned with Harris.
"I am going to call for a major investigation into this matter," Trump posted. "Candidates aren’t allowed to pay for ENDORSEMENTS, which is what Kamala did, under the guise of paying for entertainment. In addition, this was a very expensive and desperate effort to artificially build up her sparse crowds. IT’S NOT LEGAL! For these unpatriotic 'entertainers,' this was just a CORRUPT & UNLAWFUL way to capitalize on a broken system. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!"
Trump lashed out at Springsteen last week over his harsh criticism from a stage in the United Kingdom, suggesting he would face consequences when he returned to the U.S. The rocker followed up with additional remarks Saturday in Manchester.
“In my home America, the America I've written about that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, it is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration,” Springsteen said over the weekend. “Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American spirit to rise with us, raise your voices and stand with us against authoritarianism and let freedom ring. This is 'Land of Hope and Dreams.'”