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YouTuber MrBeast addressed rumors of the Pentagon paying him to promote military recruitment in the United States.
Multiple news reports surfaced on January 2, 2025, claiming that the Pentagon approved funds for James “MrBeast” Donaldson, Kelly Clarkson, and Guy Fieri. The United States Government Accountability Office stated that the funds to MrBeast were for a charity project. The reports fueled rumors claiming MrBeast was paid to boost military recruitment.
The YouTuber clarified on X that the rumors surrounding a deal with the Pentagon were untrue. The Pentagon, aka Headquarters of the US Department of Defense, approved a hurricane relief project with him. However, it was not linked to military recruitment, according to the content creator.
According to a report by Rolling Stone magazine, a Pentagon official said the collaborative project did not go through. MrBeast could not visit Puerto Rico for the hurricane relief project, leading to its cancellation.
Why Did the Rumors About MrBeast Surface?
The rumors about MrBeast surfaced after Rolling Stone published a report on the United States government’s military recruitment. The report stated that mainstream TV shows are part of the government’s efforts to boost military recruitment. Some of the shows mentioned include Guy’s All-American Road Trip, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Downey’s Dream Cars, and America’s Got Talent.
The collaboration happens under the government’s Production Assistance Agreements, or PAAs. In the same report, an excerpt from a Pentagon official’s email stated:
“We did complete a PAA for the Social Influencer Mr. Beast, but ultimately did not support the production as he did not go to Puerto Rico for the Hurricane relief, so that PAA is canceled.”
Last month, the Pentagon also published a report talking about involving social media personalities to boost military recruitment. It fueled speculation about MrBeast’s involvement with the government to increase sign-ups in the military. MrBeast responded to the allegations, stating:
“That’s not true. They were going to help us with some hurricane relief projects, but it didn’t end up happening. Can I go one week without someone making up something about me?”
The US Government Works With Hollywood To Promote Military Recruitment
While MrBeast and the Pentagon did not work together, the government uses PAAs to promote military recruitment, according to news reports and Hollywood personalities. According to reporter David L. Robb:
“Millions of dollars can be shaved off a film’s budget if the military agrees to lend its equipment and assistance. And all a producer has to do to get that assistance is submit five copies of the script to the Pentagon for approval. Make whatever script changes the Pentagon suggests; film the script exactly as approved by the Pentagon.”
Roland Emmerich, the director of Independence Day, famously pulled out of the agreement with the government. The government had allegedly asked Emmerich to exclude Area 51 from the film, but the director declined. The film grossed over $817 million with a budget of $75 million. While MrBeast’s collaboration with the Pentagon did not materialize, the recent controversy sparked debates online about government collaborations with mainstream media.
Top Gun: Maverick also faced criticism for its cooperation with the Pentagon. The film received military support in exchange for allowing the Department of Defense to review and influence the script. Critics argued that such agreements can lead to biased portrayals of the military.
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