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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (May 21, 2025)
May 21, 2025 The Skanner Portland & Seattle Page 5 Arts & Entertainment Trump Demands Probe of Celebs Who Backed Harris In a series of overnight social media posts filled with capital letters and accusations, Trump called for a federal investigation into pop and cultural icons Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Bruce Springsteen, and Bono. By Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent P resident Donald Trump’s latest ti- rade marks a new chapter in what critics call one of modern history’s angriest and most vengeful post-elec- tion victory laps. Despite reclaiming the White House, Trump and his inner circle continue to lash out—not at rivals in government, but at celebrities who backed his 2024 opponent, Vice President Kamala Har- ris. In a series of over- night social media posts filled with capital letters and accusations, Trump called for a federal in- vestigation into pop and cultural icons Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Bruce Springsteen, and Bono. The reason: their sup- port for Harris during the campaign. Trump baselessly accused them of being “illegally com- pensated” under the guise of performance or production contracts, calling the endorsements “a desperate effort to ar- tificially build up her sparse crowds.” “Can- didates aren’t allowed to pay for ENDORSE- MENTS,” Trump wrote. “This was a very expen- sive and desperate ef- fort… IT’S NOT LEGAL!” Springsteen was al- ready in Trump’s cross- hairs after criticizing the administration during a concert in England, calling it “corrupt, in- “ Donald Trump is an unfit president who per- secutes people for exercis- ing free speech competent, and treason- ous.” Trump fired back by attacking the New Jersey rock legend’s ap- pearance, labeling him a “dried out prune of a rocker” who should “KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT.” Springsteen didn’t stay silent. During his next performance, he fired back. “Donald Trump is an unfit pres- ident who persecutes people for exercising free speech,” the “Born in the U.S.A.” singer insist- ed. That response only fueled Trump’s fury. In another outburst, the president accused Springsteen—along with Beyoncé, Winfrey, and Bono—of violating cam- paign finance laws. The Harris campaign, which raised over $1 billion, has disclosed payments to Beyoncé’s Parkwood En- tertainment ($165,000) and Oprah’s Harpo Pro- ductions ($1 million). Both companies con- firmed the funds covered staff and production costs, not personal pay- ments. Oprah addressed the issue directly. “I did not receive any person- al fee,” she wrote online. “However, the people who worked on that pro- duction needed to be paid. And were. End of story.” Beyoncé’s mother also publicly defended her daughter, calling the rumors “fake news” and stating unequivocally, “She did not receive a penny.” Still, Trump appears determined to weapon- ize the Department of Justice against entertain- ers who oppose him. “At 1:34 AM, Trump called for DOJ to investigate Kamala Harris, Beyoncé, Springsteen, Oprah, and others for crimes,” said Ron Filipkowski, editor of MeidasTouch.com. “Then he made another deranged post about it at 9:11 AM.” Critics say the president’s obsession with silencing his critics ‘Ballet the Black Way: Honoring Roots, Inspiring Dreams’ Offers Summer Programs for Youth Meet and Greet with Jill Giedt to be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Albina Arts Trump called for a federal investigation into pop and cultural icons Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Bruce Springsteen, and Bono. The reason: their support for Harris during the campaign. has become more than a personality trait—it’s a strategy. “Trump isn’t threatening Beyoncé, Springsteen, Bono, and Oprah because he ex- pects them to be charged with anything,” said Navy veteran Jared Ryan Sears. “He is threaten- ing them to intimidate others from speaking up or supporting his oppo- sition. That is because Trump fears your voice; he fears the power of the people.” Fox News con- tributor and host Jessica Tarlov added, “Donald Trump spent the night ranting about investigat- ing Beyoncé so that you would forget that House Republicans just moved a bill forward that would cut Medicaid. Don’t let them get away with it.” Take a Break If you’ve been thinking about your gambling, you might be wondering how much is too much. You might be considering the time and money you’ve spent or evaluating the way gambling makes you feel. Maybe a loved one has even brought it up once or twice. But where do you start when you’re ready to make a change? Help Your Way Photo courtesy Jill Geidt T he community is invited to learn about PassinArt’s new Summer Camp and reserve a spot. Summer programs are now open for enroll- ment and will run July through August. The Meet & Greet is a wonderful op- portunity to hear directly from Jill Giedt, the founder and artistic director of Ballet the Black Way, and learn how your child can join this inspiring pro- gram this summer. During the meet-and-greet, Jill will also share her personal story, vision, and the reasons why she started Ballet the Black Way—creating a program rooted in culture, creativity, and com- munity. What to Expect at the Meet & Greet: • Meet the founder and see the new community space at the Albina Art Center, 16 NE Killingsworth. • Learn more about the summer camp and how your child can be part of it. Register and learn more at http://Jill- Giedt.com. If you’re considering cutting back on gambling — for now or forever — there’s help. Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) has a free quiz, tools, and an app to help you take charge. Visit OPGR.org and learn how a few small steps can make a big impact. Call, text or chat. Visit us at OPGR.org
