Trump calls for legal action against Beyoncé, suggesting she may have illegally endorsed Harris during a supposed payment.
In a significant move for American politics, pop icon Beyoncé endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris during a rally in Houston, October 2021. The endorsement, made in front of a cheering crowd, saw Beyoncé proclaim, "It's time for America to sing a new song" and "Your freedom is your God-given right, your human right."
The endorsement was seen as a powerful statement, particularly as Beyoncé praised Harris's campaign as inspiring and empowering for women and people of colour. Harris's historic role as a trailblazer in American politics was highlighted, and her campaign song, "Freedom," was used prominently.
However, the endorsement was not without controversy. Former President Donald Trump, known for his outspoken nature, made a claim on social media that Beyoncé was allegedly paid $11 million to endorse Harris's presidential bid. Trump called for a major investigation into Harris's celebrity endorsements, repeating the call in May 2022.
The Harris campaign and Beyoncé herself have consistently denied these allegations. At the time of Trump's original allegations in May, the Federal Election Commission had no record of an $11 million payment to Beyoncé from Harris's presidential campaign. Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mother, also denied the rumour in a November 2021 Instagram post, stating that Beyoncé "actually paid for her own flights for her and her team."
It is unclear where Trump got the unsubstantiated $11 million figure regarding Beyoncé's alleged endorsement payment from Harris's campaign. The Harris campaign had previously rejected the rumour, and Beyoncé was joined by fellow singer and Destiny's Child alum Kelly Rowland during her endorsement.
The relationship between Harris and Beyoncé seems to extend beyond politics, with Harris attending Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour in 2023. The two have also shared a mutual appreciation for each other's work, with Harris receiving tickets to Beyoncé's concert in the past.
USA TODAY has reached out to a representative for Beyoncé for comment on the allegations, but as of now, the pop icon has not responded. The controversy surrounding Beyoncé's endorsement of Harris continues to be a topic of discussion in the world of politics and entertainment.
