When it comes to campaign spending, Kamala Harris didn’t hold back—especially when it came to celebrity endorsements.
Reports reveal she dished out millions to secure the public support of big names like Beyoncé, Oprah, and Eminem. And while A-listers can help with some flash and glam, the hefty price tags have left people scratching their heads.
Here’s a closer look at the splashy spending spree that’s got everyone talking.
A-List Allies at a Steep Price
In a bid to boost her image and win over voters, Harris reportedly shelled out $10 million for a public shout-out from none other than Beyoncé, with $5 million going to Megan Thee Stallion, $3 million to Lizzo, and $1.8 million to Eminem.
That’s right—these megastars weren’t just enthusiastic supporters.
Each dollar spent was aimed at bringing celebrity shine to the campaign, though critics argue it may have been more sparkle than substance.
And that’s not all. Harris’s campaign also reportedly spent $1 million on event production for Oprah Winfrey’s “United for America” town hall—though Oprah herself clarified she didn’t pocket a dime; the funds went strictly to production costs.
This didn’t stop eyebrows from raising, as people questioned the effectiveness of such pricey endorsements.
Did the Bling Pay Off?
Despite all that glitz, Harris’s campaign ended in a $20 million hole, raising questions about whether these pricey celebrity alliances brought in the votes they hoped for.
Critics argue that these “celebrity buys” feel like manufactured connections, and as one commentator put it, “These fake relationships are what you guys wanted in government?”
While Trump’s campaign took a different route, spending far less on flash and leaning more on “earned media,” Harris’s high-spending style is adding fuel to the debate about whether a star-studded campaign actually leads to political success.
For now, the verdict seems clear: all that Hollywood bling doesn’t necessarily make for a box-office hit in politics.
