Former US President Donald Trump has called for an official probe into Vice President Kamala Harris, alleging she was receiving illegally inappropriate celebrity support for her campaign.
Trump indicated concern at a recent rally, claiming that several well-known entertainers and influencers are giving Harris what he called “unfair support” that may constitute a campaign finance violation. He hinted that some celebrity endorsements could be quoted as undeclared costs or coordinated promotion not reported to election officials.
Trump asserted that if right-wing leaders had extended similar support to him, it would have instigated legal action immediately. He said, “There’s one set of rules for them and another for the rest of us.”
Flashback:
Trump has consistently assaulted the media and entertainment industries for backing Democratic politicians. In the 2020 election, there were many A-list celebrities including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and LeBron James who openly supported the Biden-Harris ticket. Trump supporters have long argued that such influence shapes young voters and skews public opinion to their loss.
And now, with the 2024 presidential campaign in full force again, Trump’s camp is closely monitoring every step the current administration takes. His latest call for an inquiry into Harris’s campaigning only adds fuel to the already volatile political rivalry.
Harris campaign authorities have not yet made a formal comment on the charges. Democrats argue, however, that it’s absolutely okay for celebrities to endorse them as long as it is not obligatory and not in any way illegal.
Legal experts indicate that endorsements themselves are not against the law, but should celebrities render paid work, endorse major events, or fund campaign commercials without proper disclosure, then that would cross legal thresholds.
All in all, Trump’s demand for an investigation of Kamala Harris is a sign of heightened tension ahead of the next U.S. election. Whether or not an official investigation will be launched, the issue will generate more speculation regarding the role of celebrity, money, and power in American politics.
