The Trump Era – A Whole Lot of Criticism
By this point, it was clear: Taylor Swift had some strong feelings about Donald Trump. In 2019, during an interview with The Guardian, Swift remarked that her apoliticism ended after witnessing Trump’s shock win in 2016. In fact, she directly criticized the tactics used in that election, calling them dirty and manipulative. Later, when Trump made a particularly insensitive tweet in the wake of the George Floyd protests, Swift didn’t hold back. In response, Taylor Swift slammed him, pointing out the hypocrisy of someone who had spent their presidency fostering racial division and white supremacy, only to later act as though they were morally superior while making threats of violence.
After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence? ‘When the looting starts the shooting starts’??? We will vote you out in November. @realdonaldtrump
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) May 29, 2020
In the years that followed, Swift became more vocal, slamming Trump for his ineffective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his attempts to undermine democracy. The pop star wasn’t just talking about politics anymore—she was in politics.
Swift’s Stand on LGBTQ Rights and Black Lives Matter
Throughout her political evolution, Taylor didn’t just focus on party lines—she took firm stances on social justice. During Pride Month 2019, Swift made headlines by urging her followers to support the Equality Act, which aimed to protect the rights of LGBTQ individuals. She also released the music video for You Need to Calm Down, which featured cameos from LGBTQ advocates and a clear message of support for equality.
Additionally, Taylor Swift was an outspoken advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement. She tweeted about the systemic racism and police brutality in the U.S. and used her platform to encourage voting for candidates who would address these issues. Her 2020 song “Only the Young” was a rallying cry for younger generations to stay politically engaged in a time when it seemed like everything was falling apart.
Family Feuds and Pushing Back
Taylor’s outspoken political views didn’t always sit well with her team—or her dad. In the 2020 documentary Miss Americana, viewers got an intimate look at the pushback Taylor received from her family when she first considered voicing her political opinions. In one emotional scene, Taylor gets into a heated argument with her father and team about the potential backlash she could face, including the risk of losing fans. However, she firmly maintained her position, emphasizing the importance of being on the correct side of history.
And while it was a tough choice, Taylor’s decision to speak out on politics ultimately solidified her reputation as a fearless advocate for social change.