Kamala Harris’ failed bid for the presidency had an estimated cost of more than $1 billion. According to one report, a portion of that money went to celebrities and social media influencers who touted the Democratic candidate on their sizable platforms.
For example, Oprah Winfrey‘s company, Harpo Productions, received $1 million from the Harris campaign on October 15 after Winfrey hosted a town hall event for the campaign in September, per The Washington Examiner.
Oprah was also featured at Harris’ final campaign rally in Philadelphia just days before the election, where she warned voters to get to the polls instead of being tempted to “sit this one out.”
“If we don’t show up tomorrow, it is entirely possible that we will not have the opportunity to ever cast a ballot again,” Oprah warned at the time. “And let me be very clear, if you do not make sure that the people in your life can get to the polls, that is a mistake.”
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It has also been reported that Harris spent six figures building a set for the interview she did on Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast. The set was built in a hotel room in Washington, D.C., and made to look like Cooper’s actual set in Los Angeles, the Washington Examiner reported.
The Harris campaign declined to comment on finances for the Examiner report, but a post-election report will be available within 30 days, as mandated by the Federal Election Commission.
While they’re not revealing specifics now, the campaign already disclosed in October that it had spent more than $880 million. This number was much greater than what the Trump campaign spent, which was an estimated $354 million.
Celebrity endorsements and appearances seemed to be a key focus of Harris’ campaign strategy. Beyoncé spoke at a rally in late October but left many fans disappointed that she did not perform. Musical artists from Ricky Martin to Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Megan Thee Stallion also took the stage at various rallies.
Harris scored endorsements from dozens of other celebrities, including the pop star Taylor Swift, who wrote a lengthy plea on her Instagram urging voters to support Harris for president. But despite outspending Trump and earning endorsements from the massive majority of the Hollywood vote, Harris lost every swing state and the popular vote.
