Internet reacts to 'Swifties for Trump' trend: 'Taylor wouldn’t even like them'

Around August 17th, several TikTok videos began circulating, showcasing Taylor Swift fans expressing their support for Donald Trump in the 2024 Presidential election. 

The trend, dubbed 'Swifties for Trump,' quickly gained traction on both TikTok and X, sparking a significant online debate. In one of the viral clips, a Swiftie is seen lip-syncing to "Cruel Summer" in her car, with a subtext reading “Voting Trump 2024!” 

Another video features a fan wearing a Taylor Swift-themed sweatshirt paired with a "Make America Great Again" hat, with the subtext: "Where are all my TRUMP SUPPORTING SWIFTIES at?"

The internet's reaction was swift and intense. 

Many fans expressed shock and disbelief, pointing out that Taylor Swift has historically supported causes and political candidates that align with progressive values—values often seen as being in stark contrast to Trump's platform. 

Some fans took to X to voice their disapproval, with one user commenting, "The way Taylor wouldn’t even like them." 

Another remarked, "Taylor Swift would rather hate those endorsing Trump."

As the trend continued to spread, a divide emerged within the Swiftie community. 

While some encouraged the women whose 'Swifties for Trump' posts went viral, others emphasized that Taylor has not publicly endorsed Trump and has, in fact, criticized him in the past. 

During the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, Swift openly condemned Trump on X, stating, "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."

Despite the uproar, a few fans tried to rationalize the support, suggesting that the current political climate might have influenced some Swifties to back Trump. 

One viral video speculated that the recent terror threats during Swift’s Vienna concert, which was ultimately canceled, might have swayed some fans. 

"The Swifties are waking up… I never thought I’d see the day that Swifties were rallying for Trump," the video stated.

Though Taylor Swift has yet to comment on the 2024 election, her previous political endorsements and advocacy for causes like gun control and LGBTQIA+ rights, which often clash with Trump's views, have made this new trend all the more surprising and controversial. 

As the conversation around 'Swifties for Trump' continues, it highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of fan bases in the age of social media.