Ex-president Donald Trump recently used Truth Social to voice doubts about whether pop star Taylor Swift might endorse President Joe Biden in the approaching presidential election.
This has triggered a broader debate about the role of celebrities in political campaigns and the impact of their endorsements.
On the night before Super Bowl LVIII, on Saturday, February 10, 2024, Trump spoke about Swift’s political clout, referencing his involvement in the enactment of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) in 2018. The law, a significant overhaul of copyright rules, was designed to modernize royalty and licensing regulations to better support artists in the digital era.
Trump argued that Swift’s support for Biden would be disloyal and conflict with the benefits she received from the MMA, asserting, “Joe Biden has never contributed anything to Taylor’s success, nor will he. It’s impossible that she would support Joe Biden and go against the person who significantly increased her income.”
The claim by Trump has elicited a range of reactions from politicians and the general public.
Chris Christie, ex-Governor of New Jersey and a Republican, countered conspiracy theories about Swift’s political endorsements, lauding her as a remarkable American success story.
Similarly, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Tim Kaine affirmed their support for Swift, with Schumer identifying himself as a fan and Kaine voicing approval of Swift’s support for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Swift, who attended Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, Nevada, has not publicly responded to Trump’s remarks or announced her political endorsements for the 2024 election cycle. Known for her political activism, she previously endorsed Biden in the 2020 elections and has used her platform to promote voter registration.
She has been vocal on various issues, including LGBTQIA+ rights and critiques of Trump’s policies, demonstrating her commitment to use her influence for political advocacy. However, her specific endorsements for the 2024 election remain unclear.
In his social media post, Trump also mentioned Swift’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, acknowledging his liberal leanings but also expressing personal respect for him.
As the 2024 election approaches, the effect of celebrity endorsements on voters continues to be a central point of discussion among political strategists, voters, and the media.
