Talk about bad blood.
On Sunday, former President Donald Trump didn’t hold back his disdain for pop star Taylor Swift after she endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. In a fiery statement on Truth Social, Trump, 78, expressed his frustration with Swift using all caps: “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” He did not provide any further details on his reaction.
Swift, 34, publicly endorsed Harris shortly after the intense debate between Trump and Harris on ABC News last Tuesday. Known for her significant influence and massive social media following, Swift previously supported President Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
In her Instagram post, Swift stated, “I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and reasons I believe need a warrior to champion them.” She then celebrated Harris as “a steady-handed, gifted leader” and expressed hope for greater achievements under her leadership. Swift also encouraged her 284 million followers to research the candidates’ positions on issues important to them.
In a pointed remark, Swift took a jab at GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance, signing her post “Childless Cat Lady,” a reference to Vance’s 2021 interview with Tucker Carlson. The post featured Swift with her Ragdoll cat, Benjamin Button.
Governor Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, lauded Swift for her endorsement, suggesting, “Surround yourself with smart women and listen to them, and you’ll do just fine.” He included a nod to her cat ownership, calling her a “great ally” in their fight against “the smallest man in the world.”
Trump’s allies quickly reacted to Swift’s endorsement. Speculation mounted about whether Swift would continue her support for the Democrats in the 2024 election cycle. Trump, known for his strong opinions on celebrities, criticized Swift’s liberal leanings, noting, “You couldn’t possibly endorse Biden,” and suggesting her endorsement might have negative repercussions in the market.
The former president’s critique was not surprising given his history of feuding with celebrities who do not support him. Trump also took a dig at Swift’s political influence, comparing her unfavorably to Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who had previously liked a pro-GOP post by Trump.
Swift’s endorsement, despite its high profile, seems to have had limited impact on the 2024 election landscape. An ABC News/Ipsos poll revealed that only 6% of voters were more likely to support Harris due to Swift’s endorsement, while 13% said it made them less likely, and 81% indicated it made no difference. Similarly, a YouGov poll found that 8% of voters felt her endorsement made them more inclined to vote for Harris, whereas 20% were less inclined. The majority, 66%, believed Swift’s endorsement had no effect.
Despite Swift’s substantial reach and influence, her political endorsement does not appear to be significantly swaying voter opinions as the election approaches.