Taylor Swift’s Thoughts on Former President Donald Trump and His Politics: What You Need to Know
Here are All Taylor Swift's Remarks on Donald Trump and His Politics
America's biggest pop star and the former president are at odds. With her booming concert tours boosting the economy, Taylor Swift's influence is undeniable—and increasingly political. From her relationships to her advocacy, every move is under the microscope. It once prompted a former Donald Trump White House staffer to half-jokingly remark that she's the only person who could beat Trump in the 2024 presidential race. The clash between Swift and Trump is long-standing, rooted in her vocal criticism of his policies. Get ready for a clash of the titans as music meets politics in a showdown for the ages.
1. 2018
Swift, known for her music, broke her silence on politics in October 2018. In a post on Instagram, she urged her Tennessee fans to vote for Democrats. Swift criticized Marsha Blackburn, a Republican Senator, for her alignment with Trump. She highlighted issues like equal pay and LGBTQ rights. Swift emphasized the importance of voting for candidates who uphold human rights. Her post garnered over 2 million likes and sparked discussions. Despite her reluctance to engage in politics before, Swift felt compelled to speak out. She encouraged her followers to register to vote before the deadline. This marked a turning point in Swift's public image, as she used her influence to advocate for change.
2. 2019
Swift, in 2019, pledged to leverage her influence for causes close to her heart. Reflecting on her journey to political awareness, she penned in Elle, "I felt compelled to speak out against issues endangering our most vulnerable citizens at risk." Swift, nearing 30, recognized her duty to confront divisive rhetoric, vowing to engage her 114 million followers. Advocating for equality, she urged support for The Equality Act, opposing Trump's stance. In a candid Guardian interview, Swift criticized Trump, branding his perception of democracy as delusional. Her regret for not endorsing Clinton in 2016 was evident. At the MTV VMAs, she used her platform to champion LGBTQ rights, prompting a response from the White House. Trump's advisor, Kellyanne Conway, dismissed Swift's activism, underestimating her fanbase's awareness of The Equality Act.
3. 2020
In 2020, Swift fearlessly expressed her political views, notably comparing Senator Blackburn to "Trump in a wig," as per her Netflix documentary. Swift criticized Blackburn's stance on women's rights and LGBTQ+ issues, emphasizing the importance of basic human rights. She regretted not speaking out against Trump in 2016 and vowed to be on the right side of history in 2020, as per Yahoo! Following George Floyd's death, Swift condemned Trump's response to the protests, asserting her intention to vote him out. She also criticized Trump's handling of the USPS, accusing him of jeopardizing Americans' lives to cling to power. Swift urged early voting and even allowed her song to be used in a Joe Biden campaign ad, firmly aligning herself with the Democratic ticket.
4. 2021
In a revealing interview with Vanity Fair from February 2021, Swift expressed how the Trump era compelled her to delve into politics, despite years of advice to steer clear due to her identity as a female country artist. "I started talking to my family and friends about politics and learning as much as I could about where I stand," Swift disclosed. Swift's journey led her to endorse leadership that could transcend the divisive times. Notably, a former Trump administration staffer disclosed to MSNBC's Chris Hayes that playing Swift's music in the White House during Trump's tenure was frowned upon. Olivia Troye, who served on the Coronavirus Task Force, recounted how she faced admonishment for playing Swift's tunes to alleviate stress, highlighting the perceived discord between Swift's views and Trump's politics.
5. 2023
Swift, although previously reticent about politics, began openly expressing her views in 2018. In 2023, while not endorsing any candidate outright, she urged her fans to register and vote. This led to a notable increase in voter registration through Vote.org. However, some MAGA Republicans interpreted Swift's advocacy for democratic participation as an attack on their ideals. Figures like Charlie Kirk and Jack Posobiec criticized her influence, linking it to electoral losses. Swift's impact on young voters was undeniable, though its precise electoral effect remains ambiguous. Trump, meanwhile, has largely avoided commenting directly on Swift's statements. However, in September, he made a sarcastic remark about her relationship with Travis Kelce saying, "I hope they enjoy their life, maybe together, maybe not — most likely not," as per The Independent. Despite the backlash, Swift continues to use her platform to encourage civic engagement.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on February 2, 2024. It has since been updated.
