Cubitanow writing ~ Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Donald Trump turned the controversy again with a publication on his social Truth network, in which he demands that several celebrities be investigated for allegedly receiving undercover payments for supporting Kamala Harris during his presidential campaign. Among the names mentioned are Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey and Bono.
The president’s reaction occurred after Springsteen criticized the current administration during a recent concert in Europe. Although he did not refer direct to Trump or Harris, his message was clear.
“In my country, the America that I love, that which has been a symbol of hope and freedom for 250 years, today is in the hands of a corrupt and traitorous administration,” said the musician from the stage.
Shortly after, Trump responded with an accusation that mixes political, show and controversy. According to him, Springsteen would have received money for supporting Harris during his campaign, and was not the only one. He also involved Beyoncé, Oprah and Bono in what he describes as possible “illegal contributions disguised as entertainment.”
“How much did Bruce pay for his lousy presentation? And Beyoncé? Did he receive 11 million for being in a rally in Houston? And what about Oprah and Bono?” Trump wrote. “I will ask that this matter be investigated completely.”
The president argues that the presence of these artists in political events may have crossed the legal line if there was any kind of undercover financial compensation. In his opinion, it would be a strategy to simulate popular support and thus attract more audience to campaign acts.
“This was not art, it was illegally financed propaganda. You cannot pay for political support pretending to hire entertainment. It is illegal and corrupt,” Trump said.
In response to the statements about Beyoncé, his mother, Tina Knowles, denied in social networks that his daughter would have received any money for participating in proselytizing acts. “The truth is that Beyoncé did not charge a penny,” he wrote.
The crosses between Trump and show figures are not new. Bruce Springsteen, in particular, has been a vocal critic of the president, and his differences have become public on several occasions. However, this time Trump went further to suggest legal consequences.
So far, no authority has initiated a formal investigation based on its statements, but the episode has unleashed a debate on the limits between artistic expression, political participation and campaign financing.
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