US President Donald Trump recently claimed credit for a perceived decline in singer Taylor Swift’s popularity, suggesting that his public criticism has made her “less hot.” On a social media post, Trump referenced a statement he made last year where he declared, “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,” implying that since then, her appeal has diminished.
This claim came as Trump was returning from a diplomatic trip to the Middle East, marking the first major overseas journey of his second term. Trump, known for his background in business and entertainment, positioned himself as an authority on the fluctuations of celebrity status, including Swift’s.
The controversy dates back to last year, close to the election period, when Trump publicly expressed his dislike for Swift shortly after she endorsed his political opponents. At that time, Swift was in the midst of her widely popular Eras tour. The post quickly faded from attention due to news of an assassination attempt on Trump occurring the same day, but it still sparked discussions about the intersection of politics and celebrity.
Since then, Taylor Swift has maintained a lower public profile. Following the conclusion of her tour and the end of her boyfriend Travis Kelce’s football season, she has been less visible in the media. Fans spotted her during a Mother’s Day brunch with Kelce’s family, but overall, she has kept a more private presence, attending occasional public events and date nights.
Taylor Swift has been openly supportive of Trump’s political rivals, endorsing former President Joe Biden in 2020 and Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 race. She publicly stated that her support for Harris stemmed from a desire for stable and capable leadership, contrasting Harris’s calm approach with what she described as chaos under Trump’s administration.
Trump reacted to Swift’s endorsement by claiming his appreciation for her music had dropped by 25 percent. He also disparaged Swift’s knowledge about political figures, specifically criticizing her understanding of one of Harris’s opponents.
This public feud highlights the ongoing clash between celebrity influence and political allegiance, illustrating how Swift’s political stances have drawn sharp responses from Trump. The situation underscores the complex relationship between fame and politics in today’s media landscape, where public figures often face intense scrutiny based on their political views.
While Swift continues to focus on her music and personal life, Trump remains vocal about his opinions on her status and influence. The back-and-forth exemplifies the broader cultural tensions that arise when entertainment icons step into the political arena, and how those actions can impact their public image.
