In the run-up to the 2024 Super Bowl, pop sensation Taylor Swift finds herself once again in the crosshairs of political scrutiny and criticism. While the singer has not yet officially endorsed any candidate for the upcoming presidential race, speculation and conspiracy theories have emerged from Donald Trump’s supporters, warning Swift to “stick to her singing.” This backlash comes amid anticipation of her attendance at the Super Bowl to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Speculation and Conspiracy Theories:
Republican figure and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy took to social media, specifically X (formerly Twitter), to speculate about a potential endorsement from what he described as an “artificially culturally propped-up couple” after the Super Bowl. Ramaswamy’s tweet suggests an orchestrated effort to boost President Joe Biden’s image, adding an interesting layer to the ongoing political discourse.
I wonder who’s going to win the Super Bowl next month. And I wonder if there’s a major presidential endorsement coming from an artificially culturally propped-up couple this fall. Just some wild speculation over here, let’s see how it ages over the next 8 months.
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) January 29, 2024
Alina Habba, who represented Trump in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case, joined the fray by taking a swipe at Swift on Instagram. The post implied a preference for individuals like Habba over the pop star, fueling the narrative that Swift is out of touch with the values of certain political factions.
Fox News Concerns and Criticisms:
Several Fox News personalities have also weighed in on the matter, expressing concern over Swift’s potential political influence. Commentator Tomi Lahren urged Swift to refrain from endorsing any candidate, emphasizing the presence of conservative Swift fans and advising her to “stick to her singing.” Former ESPN host Charly Arnolt, now with Fox-owned “OutKick,” labeled Swift’s influence as “scary,” revealing a broader sentiment within the network.
Judge Jeanine Pirro on Taylor Swift: "So don’t get involved, don’t get involved in politics! We don’t want to see you there!" pic.twitter.com/oXlbTLesiq
— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) January 29, 2024
Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, an informal political adviser to Trump, warned Swift against getting involved in the 2024 race. Pirro suggested that Biden is seeking Swift’s assistance to improve his standing with young voters, framing Swift’s potential involvement as a political maneuver.
Fox News host Brian Kilmeade on Taylor Swift potentially endorsing Biden:
“It would be the single dumbest thing a mega superstar can do. Why would you tell half the country you don’t agree with them in this highly polarized time?” pic.twitter.com/gCBYGRpwGG
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) January 30, 2024
“The View” Responds:
“The View” co-hosts took a stance against the criticism and conspiracy theories targeting Swift. Alyssa Farah Griffin deemed it “the dumbest political fight to pick” and accused critics of creating baseless theories about a pop star instead of focusing on substantial political issues. Sunny Hostin suggested that critics were “afraid” of Swift’s political influence, referencing a 2023 Instagram post by the singer that led to a surge in voter registrations.
Swift’s Political History:
Swift’s political journey began in 2018 when she endorsed two Democratic candidates in Tennessee. In the 2020 presidential race, she publicly endorsed Joe Biden, citing the opportunity for America to heal under his leadership. Trump responded at the time with a jab, expressing a decrease in his appreciation for Swift’s music.