Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick recently shed light on her uncompensated support for President-elect Donald Trump during his campaign. Despite rumors that other celebrities were paid substantial sums for similar endorsements, Patrick took to social media to clarify that her appearances and advocacy were entirely unpaid.
Patrick’s involvement in Trump’s campaign marked her first time publicly supporting a political candidate. In her words, she was motivated by patriotism, not financial gain. The 42-year-old racing star attended rallies, joined Trump on the campaign trail, and spoke at a high-energy rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania—activities she says were done from genuine belief, not for a paycheck.
Her statements stand in sharp contrast to reports that Kamala Harris’s campaign allegedly paid rapper Megan Thee Stallion a substantial $5 million for a high-profile appearance. Although Harris’s team has yet to confirm or deny this claim, the potential discrepancy between Patrick’s voluntary support and alleged paid celebrity endorsements has sparked interest and debate online.
On November 12, Patrick addressed her support for Trump on social media, posting a video of Megan Thee Stallion’s performance at a Harris campaign event and clarifying her own unpaid involvement. “All the events, rallies, interviews, social posts… I did for free,” she wrote, adding, “Actually spent a fair amount on wardrobe.” She humorously noted, “But to be fair, I can’t twerk so… it all adds up,” suggesting that her contributions were not about flashy performances but about a message she wanted to share with voters.
Reports of Megan Thee Stallion’s appearance for Harris on July 30 at Georgia State University’s Convocation Center included allegations that she received $5 million for the performance. While the Harris campaign has yet to comment, a source close to the situation told DailyMail.com that the rapper’s involvement was unpaid and no record exists in Federal Election Commission filings indicating a fee.
Alongside her social media remarks, Patrick shared personal experiences from the campaign trail, giving followers a behind-the-scenes look at her time with Trump as Election Day approached. Patrick posted a series of images on Instagram, including photos from her last day campaigning alongside Trump aboard his private plane. She described discussing racing with Trump and sharing moments with other Trump supporters, including former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and former ESPN reporter Sage Steele.
In an Instagram post, Patrick reflected on Trump’s magnetic energy, which she described as “truly unreal.” She explained that her motivation to support him had only intensified as critics questioned her participation. “Somehow that passion has led me all the way to November 4th,” she wrote, referencing her ride on “Trump Force 1” on the campaign’s final evening. In her message, Patrick detailed her pride in her support for Trump, saying the experience of riding on his plane and talking about her racing career made the journey memorable and impactful.
During her speech in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state that Trump ultimately won, Patrick took the stage without a teleprompter—a decision she said reflected her authenticity and commitment. She pointed out that her choice to speak unscripted stood in contrast to other celebrities backing Harris, like Cardi B, who reportedly used a teleprompter during a Harris campaign event.
“I’m not paid to be here. I don’t have a teleprompter. I’m winging this right now, everybody,” Patrick said, receiving cheers from the crowd. She emphasized her belief that Trump’s leadership is what America needs, adding, “I’m doing this because I love this country and there’s nobody that’s been tested more than Trump.”
I’m not paid to be here
I don’t have a teleprompter
I’m winging this right now, everybody
I don’t need a telephone
I never went to a Diddy Party
I’m doing this because I love this country …🔥🔥🔥 @DanicaPatrick https://t.co/NQoDJHkA0U
— Rasmussen Reports (@Rasmussen_Poll) November 4, 2024
While celebrity endorsements often play an influential role in political campaigns, Patrick’s unpaid involvement in Trump’s campaign offers a different narrative. For her, this was not a job but a mission to speak out on behalf of a candidate she believes in. Through her social media posts and candid accounts, Patrick has painted a picture of her campaign experience that is more personal than professional, driven by her passion for Trump’s vision for America.
Her vocal support comes at a time when the influence of celebrity endorsements is under scrutiny. The reported $5 million payment to Megan Thee Stallion—if confirmed—might raise questions about the role of financial incentives in endorsements. By contrast, Patrick’s comments emphasize a genuine alignment with Trump’s policies rather than a paid partnership.
Patrick’s presence alongside Trump in the final days of his campaign, especially in key battleground states, may have had an impact on voters who connect with her background in racing and see her as a voice outside traditional politics. Her authenticity and relatability as a sports figure, paired with her straightforward support for Trump, has contributed to a new dynamic of celebrity involvement in politics, where genuine endorsement appears to matter just as much as flashy performances.
As political campaigns increasingly feature celebrities, Patrick’s story highlights an emerging difference between endorsements rooted in shared values versus those with a financial incentive. For her, supporting Trump was a personal choice made freely—both figuratively and literally.