If you thought that no one would take Donald Trump's 2016 presidential run seriously, then you may have been right.

A new report alleges that the billionaire real estate mogul hired paid actors to cheer for him during his presidential kickoff speech on Tuesday.

"Our country needs a truly great leader, and we need a truly great leader now. So, ladies and gentlemen, I am officially running for president of the United States, and we are going to make our country great again," said the media personality at the Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in New York City, according to USA Today.

Following the event, The Hollywood Reporter uncovered that many people in the lively and enthusiastic crowd were posing as supporters in exchange for $50. According to THR, Extra Mile Casting sent an email last Friday seeking extras from its client list of background actors to attend Trump's event.

"We are looking to cast people for the event to wear t-shirts and carry signs and help cheer him in support of his announcement," reads the June 12 email. "We understand this is not a traditional 'background job,' but we believe acting comes in all forms and this is inclusive of that school of thought."

All actors who accepted the gig would be paid $50 for less than three hours of work, said the email.

Accusations that the TV host resorted to "astroturfing" -- beefing up crowds with paid "supporters" -- came to light after anti-Trump activist and Media Matters executive vice president Angelo Carusone said he recognized a background actor at the event in a photo posted on Instagram. Carusone said he took a screenshot of Domenico Del Giacco's picture, which featured him posing with actress Courtney Klotz at the Tuesday event.

"When I didn't see any supporters posting pictures that was a red flag. I started to poke around," Carusone told The New York Daily News. "He's an actor. That was up there just like any other picture from his gigs."

In response, Trump's campaign manager Corey Lewandowski denies allegations that the Republican investor hired supporters to appear at his campaign rally.

"Mr. Trump draws record crowds at almost every venue at which he is a featured speaker," Lewandowski told THR. "The crowds are large, often record-setting and enthusiastic, often with standing ovations. Mr. Trump's message is, 'Make America great again.'"

Watch Donald Trump's presidential annoucement speech below: