Trump Claims He's Behind Taylor Swift’s Decline in Popularity
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right-Leaning
Why: The content highlights Trump’s critical stance toward Swift while amplifying partisan messaging from his campaign and allies, portraying Swift as disconnected from working-class Americans.
Trump Attacks Swift on Social Media
President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform on Friday to take a new swipe at global pop star Taylor Swift. While returning from a Middle East trip, the 78-year-old Republican posted that Swift is “no longer hot” and implied that his disapproval is the reason for her supposed decline.
“Has anyone noticed that, since I said 'I hate Taylor Swift,' she's no longer 'HOT?’” Trump wrote.
The post did not reference any specific event or trend that prompted the comment. It also did not include any evidence for his claims about Swift's popularity.
Longstanding Political Tensions Between Trump and Swift
Trump and Swift have clashed publicly over politics for years. The tensions began as early as 2016, when Swift reportedly supported Hillary Clinton over Trump in the presidential race. In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, Swift said she believed Trump governed like an autocrat.
In 2020, during protests following George Floyd’s death, Swift sharply criticized Trump for stoking racial division. She referenced his controversial phrase, “when the looting starts, the shooting starts,” stating:
“After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence? We will vote you out in November.”
Swift's Endorsements and Trump's Reactions
In both the 2020 and 2024 election cycles, Swift publicly endorsed Trump’s Democratic opponents.
2020: Endorsed Joe Biden.
2024: Endorsed Kamala Harris and Tim Walz following the September presidential debate.
Swift shared her support in a social media post, praising Harris for being a “steady-handed, gifted leader” who fights for values important to her. She also used the self-deprecating sign-off “childless cat lady,” a reference to a controversy involving Vice President JD Vance, who had insulted single women with cats. In response, Trump posted “I hate Taylor Swift” on Truth Social.
Republican Campaign Pushback
Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt criticized Swift after her endorsement, stating:
“Taylor Swift may make great music, but she does not understand the struggles of everyday, hardworking families.”
Leavitt framed Swift as an elite figure aligned with wealthy Democrats. She argued that the Democratic Party has become a party of the rich, disconnected from working-class voters. According to Forbes, Swift is the wealthiest female singer in the world, with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion.
No Evidence of Decline in Swift's Popularity
Despite Trump’s claim that Swift is “no longer hot,” there is no available data to suggest a drop in her popularity. Swift remains a leading figure in global music, with record-breaking tours, major music releases, and significant social media influence.
Her Eras Tour was one of the highest-grossing concert tours in history, and she continues to rank at the top of streaming and sales charts. Swift also plays a prominent role in public discourse, especially when she comments on political or social issues.
Political Messaging in Celebrity Disputes
Trump’s remark highlights his continued use of culture war narratives, especially against high-profile celebrities who criticize him. The framing of Swift as an out-of-touch elite is consistent with messaging from the Trump campaign targeting Democratic figures as part of a “privileged class.”
This public spat also reflects a broader trend in U.S. politics, where celebrities are increasingly visible in political debates and endorsements. Swift, in particular, has become a frequent target of Republican criticism since voicing her political views more openly in recent years.
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