Around August 17, several TikTok videos began circulating of Taylor Swift fans voicing their support for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
Dubbed “Swifties for Trump,” the trend quickly gained popularity on both TikTok and X, sparking a major online controversy. In one viral video, Swifties can be seen lip-syncing to “Cruel Summer” in a car, with the subtext reading, “Vote Trump 2024!”
Another video features a fan wearing a Taylor Swift-themed sweatshirt and a hat that reads “Make America Great Again,” with the subtext: “Where are all the Trump-supporting Swifties?”
The reaction online was swift and intense.
Many fans expressed shock and disbelief, pointing out that Swift has previously supported causes and political candidates that align with progressive values that are often seen as in contrast to Trump’s policies.
Some fans expressed their displeasure with X, with one user commenting: “Looks like Taylor doesn’t even like them.”
Another user commented: “Taylor Swift actually hates people who support Trump.”
As the trend continues to spread, it has caused a divide within the Swiftie community.
While some offered encouragement to the women whose “Swifty for Trump” posts went viral, others emphasized that Taylor has not publicly supported Trump and in fact has criticized him in the past.
During the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, Swift publicly denounced Trump with X, saying, “You’ve stoked the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, and now you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence? ‘When the looting starts, the shooting starts’? I’m going to vote to oust you in November.”
Despite the uproar, several fans tried to justify their support, suggesting that the current political climate may have prompted some Swifties to back Trump.
One viral video speculated that recent terror threats that occurred during Swift’s ultimately cancelled show in Vienna may have upset some fans.
“Swifties are waking up… I never thought the day would come when Swifties would rally for Trump,” the video states.
While Swift has yet to comment on the 2024 election, this new trend is all the more surprising and controversial given her past political support and advocacy for causes that often clash with President Trump’s views, including gun control and LGBTQIA+ rights.
The ongoing debate over “Swifties for Trump” highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of fandom in the social media age.
