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Fresh revelations show the Harris campaign allocated nearly $2.5 million to Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions for a September virtual town hall - more than double the initially reported $1 million figure. The New York Times sources confirmed this payment formed part of Harris's unprecedented $1.5 billion campaign spending over just 15 weeks.
Media titan Oprah Winfrey quickly dismissed suggestions of personal gain. "The production company Harpo was asked to bring in set design, lights, cameras, crew, producers and every necessary item," she wrote on social media, stressing that while staff received compensation, she "did not take any personal fee."
The star-powered event featured remote appearances from Hollywood's elite, including Meryl Streep, Bryan Cranston, and Julia Roberts. Campaign records reveal additional substantial outlays, with $20 million directed toward swing-state concerts and $2.6 million spent on private jet travel during October's battleground state push.
These expenditures marked a significant departure from President-elect Trump's leaner $720 million campaign budget, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. While Harris invested heavily in traditional media and celebrity endorsements, Trump focused on digital platforms, notably appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
Financial decisions proved crucial as electoral results unfolded. Trump secured 312 electoral votes and Republican majorities in Congress, while the Democratic Party faced a $20 million deficit. The contrast between spending strategies and outcomes has sparked debate about effective campaign resource allocation in modern presidential races.
The campaign's other notable expenses included $9,000 at high-end ice cream establishments and $15,000 for food delivery services, highlighting questions about campaign fund management and accountability in contemporary political landscapes.
