An unexpected twist at a Vice President Kamala Harris rally led to former President Donald Trump's sharp criticism.
Fox News reported that Beyoncé disappointed attendees who expected a performance when she only gave a brief speech, sparking backlash.
During a rally in Michigan, Donald Trump highlighted the incident, claiming that the crowd booed after realizing Beyoncé would not perform. Trump suggested that Vice President Harris misled the crowd by using the singer’s star power to attract a large audience. He described the attendees as intensely booing when Harris began to speak, implying she boosted attendance by promising more than she delivered.
The buildup to the event was fueled by several media outlets suggesting that Beyoncé would perform at the Houston rally alongside Vice President Harris. However, the extent of Beyoncé's appearance was a short speech focusing on endorsement and reproductive rights.
A senior adviser to Trump, Tim Murtaugh, took to social media to express his disdain, commenting, "They lied to build a crowd," reflecting a broader sentiment among Trump supporters and conservative media. Critics likened the rally's mismanagement to broader issues within the Harris campaign.
Reactions on social media varied, with some ridiculing the campaign’s organization, further echoed by journalist Jerry Dunleavy who questioned the credibility of media reports about the event.
Videos circulating online showed portions of the 30,000-strong crowd expressing their displeasure, though the specific reasons for the boos were not clear from the clips.
In contrast to the rally’s backlash, Beyoncé expressed her support for Kamala Harris, emphasizing her role not as a celebrity but as a concerned mother advocating for women’s rights. "It's time for America to sing a new song," Beyoncé declared, warmly welcoming Harris to the stage. She highlighted the importance of the upcoming elections from a personal perspective, framing Harris’s candidacy as a momentous opportunity for change.
The Harris-Walz campaign responded to accusations from Trump, labeling him as "unhinged and divisive." Campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika stated, "While Trump adds to his enemies list, Vice President Harris is bringing voters together across party lines because she is focused on actually helping the American people as President." This characterization positioned Harris as a unifying leader in stark contrast to her opponent.
Donald Trump leveraged Beyoncé’s involvement in his campaign speech, suggesting her brief appearance caused an uproar, characterizing it as a failed attempt by Harris to bolster support through celebrity influence.
Trump implied that the event showed Harris’s reliance on celebrity appearances without delivering on promises, contrasting his own following as “genuine.”
The incident has ignited discussion on the ethical dynamics of politics and celebrity endorsements. With both campaigns drawing attention to rally attendance, Trump’s team continues to emphasize their organic support base, devoid of celebrity reliance.
The event highlights the broader debate around transparency and ethical campaign practices, with celebrity involvement and media portrayal playing pivotal roles in shaping public perception as the election approaches.
