In a forthcoming book by Variety editor Ramin Setoodeh, former President Donald Trump is quoted discussing pop star Taylor Swift, offering both praises for her looks and scepticism about her political stance. The book “Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America Through the Looking Glass” delves into Trump’s time as a reality TV star and includes his thoughts on various celebrities, including Swift.
Setoodeh’s book reveals that Trump finds Swift “unusually beautiful” and “very talented.” However, Trump expressed doubt about Swift’s political alignment, questioning whether her liberal stance is genuine. Swift, who endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, is known for her progressive views, a shift from her country music roots which often align with more conservative values.
During the interview, Trump was surprised by Swift’s liberal success as a former country artist, suggesting that it is uncommon for country stars to succeed with liberal politics. He also remarked on his limited knowledge of her music but acknowledged her significant star quality.
Taylor Swift broke her political silence in 2018 by endorsing two Democratic candidates in Tennessee, criticizing Republican incumbent Sen. Marsha Blackburn for her stances on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. Swift’s 2020 endorsement of Biden further solidified her political stance, especially after she publicly condemned Trump for his controversial comments during the George Floyd protests.
Swift’s outspoken political views have earned her both praise and criticism, but they have undeniably positioned her as an influential figure in the political realm. Her criticism of Trump in a tweet that went viral emphasized her disapproval of his handling of racial issues and his presidency overall.
With the 2024 presidential race approaching, whether Swift will endorse a candidate remains to be seen. Her influence is considerable, with the Biden campaign reportedly viewing her as a crucial endorsement target. Swift’s ability to mobilize voters was evident when her Instagram post in 2023 led to a significant surge in voter registrations.
On the other hand, Trump has expressed doubt that Swift will support Biden again, referencing his contribution to the Music Modernization Act of 2018, which aimed to modernize copyright laws for music creators.