At Super Bowl LIX, due to unfold in the renowned Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, there seems to be more than just the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles locked in a competition. There is another rivalry that draws intense interest, one mired in political disagreements: that between former President Donald Trump and popstar Taylor Swift.
The history of their contentious exchanges dates back to 2018, when Swift, having maintained a neutral stance on political matters throughout the early stage of her career, deviated from her course and chose to endorse a Democratic candidate. This was in the Tennessee U.S. Senate elections, where her support went to Phil Bredesen, leaving Trump off balance.
Swift’s endorsement was followed by a harsh critique against Republican candidate Blackburn, expressing that the latter’s voting record in Congress ‘appalls and terrifies’ her. Trump, caught off guard, was unable to frame a convincing response on a few days later when prodded by reporters.
Interestingly, Swift had opted not to endorse Trump during the 2016 elections. And when she was later asked about the administration, she didn’t hold back her criticism, stating, ‘We’re a democracy—at least, we’re supposed to be—where you’re allowed to disagree, dissent, debate.’
Swift’s siding with the Democrats was further reinforced during the 2020 Senate race between Bredesen and Blackburn in Tennessee. Swift invited fans to understand her reasoning behind supporting Bredesen, who eventually lost the race to Blackburn.
She was also vocal about her disdain for Trump. This was particularly evident during the protests sparked by the unfortunate demise of George Floyd. Moreover, her criticism intensified after Trump acknowledged in August 2020 that he obstructed additional funding for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Swift was quick to point out the harm this action could cause in hampering the delivery of mail-in ballots.
During Trump’s first re-election campaign, Taylor Swift’s allegiance shifted towards aligning with President Joe Biden. However, given such an inconsistent and unpromising opponent, it’s hardly surprising that she’d lean towards an alternative.
In 2023, Trump showcased a song performed by a group of accused members from the insurrection, demonstrating his questionable support sources. During the presidential debate against Biden in 2024, Trump proudly took credit for the 2018 Music Modernization Act, an action that many viewed as a desperate clamor for popularity.
Continuing his attempts to denigrate Swift’s impact on his political journey, Trump has allegedly questioned her endorsement of Biden in a discussion with House Republicans. Even amid the release of a new book on June 18, Swift somehow made headlines—a testament to Trump’s inability to detach her name from his narrative.
Trying to harness the fandom of Taylor Swift for his own gain, Trump released a collection of pictures in 2024. These images showcased so-called ‘Swifties for Trump’. His efforts, however, were time and again proven futile.
Shortly after a heated debate with Harris, Trump was hit with a fresh rebuttal from Swift. She promptly took to social media to extend her official support to Harris, causing a further dent in Trump’s popularity.
Further in her post, Swift also refuted false information that had apparently spread online. A manipulated picture falsely showed her supporting Trump’s presidential run, and this deceptive act reignited her drive to make her political stance known.
In a later TV appearance on Fox & Friends, Trump was questioned regarding Swift’s endorsement of Harris, his political rival. In a feeble attempt at countering the pop-star’s influence, Trump stated that he preferred ‘Mrs. Mahomes’ over Swift—thereby failing to provide a substantial argument.
Merely a few days after Swift publicly supported Harris for President, Trump aired his dissatisfaction on social media. His posts, however, lacked the persuasive power needed to effectively counter Swift’s influence or the growing credibility of his opponents.