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Taylor Swift has entered the political era.
What started as a quiet stance on feminism has grown into an unapologetically loud voice on everything from LGBTQ+ rights to voter registration. These days, she’s both a pop icon and an advocate, using her platform to rally millions of people to causes she cares about.
Taylor Swift performs on stage during the “Taylor Swift | The Elus Tour” held at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 25, 2024. Swift is using her voice and platform to usher in a ‘political era’…’Taylor Swift | The Elus Tour at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 25, 2024 Taylor Swift performing on stage. Swift is in a “political era” where she uses her voice and platform to speak out about what she believes. Erica Goldring/Getty Images
Here’s an overview of the “Cruel Summer” singer’s most notable political moves over the years.
Early 2010s: First distance from politics
Early in her career, Swift avoided political topics.
In a 2012 interview, she explained, “I just think I’m a 22-year-old singer, and I don’t know if people really want to hear my political views. I think I just want to hear you sing.” About breakups and emotions. ”
Musician Taylor Swift performs at the 2010 NFL Opening Kickoff Presented by EA SPORTS at Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 9, 2010. Musician Taylor Swift performs at the 2010 NFL Opening Kickoff Presented by EA SPORTS at Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 9, 2010. Lee Serrano/Getty Images
However, by 2014 she was ready to accept at least one label, calling herself a feminist in an interview with the Guardian.
“When I was a teenager, I didn’t understand that saying I was a feminist was just saying I wanted women and men to have equal rights and opportunities,” the songstress said. spoke. “It seemed to me that the way it was expressed in culture and society was, “You hate men.” Because I understand, it’s been feminist for a long time.” It’s made out to be like picketing against the opposite sex, but that’s not the case at all. ”
She continued, “Being friends with Lena (Dunham), she never lectured me, but she taught me why she believes what she believes, why she says the things she says, and why she… Just by seeing who supported my position, I realized that I was.” I’ve taken feminist positions even though I haven’t actually said so. ”
2018: Political breakthrough
As the 2018 midterm elections began, Swift broke her political silence. On Instagram, she endorsed Tennessee Democrats Phil Bredesen (Sen.) and Jim Cooper (Rep.) against her home state’s Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn.
“In the past I have been reluctant to express my political opinions publicly, but due to some events that have happened in my life and in the world over the past two years, I am now less comfortable expressing my feelings about it. A lot has changed,” Swift wrote. “I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and I believe that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is wrong. The systemic racism against people of color that we still see in this country I believe that discrimination is horrible, disgusting, and pervasive. I cannot vote for someone who is not willing to fight for the dignity of all Americans, regardless of the color of their skin, their gender, or who they love. please. ”
According to Vote.org, 169,000 people registered to vote within 48 hours of the winning artist’s posting, marking the first time the “Taylor Swift effect” has appeared.
2019: Rally for LGBTQ rights
In June 2019, Swift went all out for LGBTQ rights. She wrote a letter to her senator urging support for the Equality Act, which protects against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Not stopping there, she urged her fans to do the same, adding that she will continue to document their letters with the hashtag #letrtomysenator. The Queen of Pop also created a Change.org petition in support of the act and asked her fanbase to sign it. “At the national level, let us show our pride by demanding that our laws treat all citizens truly equally,” she wrote.
2020: Taking on Trump
Swift took her political stance to a new level in 2020 when she publicly condemned President Trump’s tweets about Black Lives Matter protests.
Trump’s post read: “These thugs are desecrating the memory of George Floyd and I will not allow that to happen. I just spoke with Governor Tim Walz and let him know the military will always be with him. We will take control no matter what the difficulties may be.” But when the looting starts, the shooting starts, thank you! ”
After fanning the flames of white supremacy and racism throughout his presidency, does he have the nerve to pretend to be morally superior before threatening violence? “When the Looting Starts, the Shooting Starts”??? Vote on the ballot in November. @RealDonaldTrump
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) May 29, 2020
Immediately after President Trump’s remarks on “When the looting starts, the shooting starts”? ?? We will vote you out in November. ”
In 2020, Swift also released the Netflix documentary Miss Americana. There, she gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at her 2018 decision to speak out against Blackburn, whom she called “Trump in a wig.”
2023: Promote voter registration
Ahead of the 2024 election, the “Look What You Made Me Do” singer is all about voting rights. “Are you registered to vote yet?” Swift wrote on Instagram about the 2023 National Election Day. “I was so lucky to meet so many of you at my show in America recently. I heard you all speaking out. , I know how powerful they are. Be sure to check it out.” You’re ready to use it in this year’s election! ”
According to Vote.org, her post resulted in 35,000 new voter registrations in one day and 157,041 voters visited the site. “During the day on Tuesday, participation jumped 1,226% in the hour after Taylor Swift’s post,” Vote.org CEO Andrea Haley said at the time. “Our site had an average of 13,000 users every 30 minutes, a number Taylor Swift would be proud of.”
2024: Support Kamala Harris
By March 2024, Swift once again took to Instagram to ask fans to join her on Super Tuesday. “Today, March 5th, presidential primaries will be held in Tennessee and 16 other states and territories,” she wrote. “I wanted to remind everyone to vote for the people who best represent you and hold power. If you haven’t already, please make plans to vote today.”
Fast forward to September, and speculation about whether the Queen of Pop would enter the 2024 race finally ended when she shared an Instagram post supporting Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. I hit it. (Before Swift publicly endorsed Harris, fans had implored her to speak out against Trump, especially after Swift misappropriated her image with artificial intelligence and her close friend Brittany. This came as Mahomes was clearly endorsing the Republican candidate.
“I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she is fighting for rights and believes we need warriors to defend them,” her post began. “I think she is a solid and talented leader. I believe she can accomplish more in this country if she is led with calm rather than chaos. I am her running mate @timwalz I am so encouraged and inspired by her choice. She has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and women’s right to own their own bodies for decades.”
Swift signed a note saying, “With love and hope, Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady,” and posted a snapshot of herself and her cat, Benjamin Button, which the Democrat called “Childless Cat Lady.” It was a pointed reference to President Trump’s vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance’s remark that he was a “feline cat lady”. It’s miserable. ”
