Trump Claims His Swift Swipe Dented Her Popularity

Images via Brian Friedman / Shutterstock; Gage Skidmore / Flickr

President Donald Trump suggested on Friday that his previous criticism of Taylor Swift may have impacted the singer’s popularity.

“Has anyone noticed that, since I said ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,’ she’s no longer ‘HOT’?” the president wrote on Truth Social, referencing a post he made last fall after Swift publicly endorsed then–Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election cycle.

While the original post was quickly eclipsed by an attempted assassination on the president that same day, Trump doubled down on the sentiment while returning from a diplomatic trip to the Middle East.

A White House spokesperson defended the remark: “As a business and entertainment mogul, President Trump is highly qualified to comment on the rise and fall of various celebrities.”

Swift has largely kept a low profile in recent weeks. Her record-breaking Eras Tour has wrapped, and her partner Travis Kelce’s NFL season has ended. While fans spotted her at a Mother’s Day outing with Kelce’s family, she’s remained mostly out of the spotlight—though it's unclear if that has anything to do with Trump’s commentary.

The president’s post about Swift was quickly followed by a dig at Bruce Springsteen, calling the artist “Highly Overrated” and criticizing his appearance—an apparent response to Springsteen’s recent comments condemning the Trump administration.

Trump's remarks capped a trip through Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where he met with Arab leaders, lifted sanctions on Syria, and announced economic deals with Gulf states. The tour was shadowed by controversy over a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar for Trump’s use, which raised ethical concerns.

Tensions between Swift and Trump date back to 2018, when Swift endorsed Democrat Phil Bredesen in Tennessee and criticized his opponent, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, calling her “Trump in a wig.” Trump said he liked Swift’s music “25% less” after the endorsement.

While Swift has rarely spoken on political matters, her public support for Democratic candidates—including President Biden in 2020 and Vice President Harris in 2024—has repeatedly placed her at odds with Trump and his base.

Swift has not publicly responded to Trump’s most recent post.