Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
President Donald Trump offered well wishes to superstar Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce following their engagement announcement on Tuesday, marking a notable shift in his public commentary on the singer. The former president’s remarks come after a history of public criticism towards Swift, who has also been a vocal critic of Trump and has endorsed his political opponents.
Trump’s Shifting Tone
Speaking on the engagement, Trump stated, “Well, I wish them a lot of luck.” He added, “I think he’s a great player, I think he’s a great guy and I think that she’s a terrific person. So I wish them a lot of luck.”
Swift announced her engagement to her 280 million Instagram followers earlier Tuesday. She shared snapshots of herself and Kelce embracing in a flower-filled garden, showcasing what appeared to be an engagement ring.
Past Criticisms and Political Stances
Trump’s recent comments stand in stark contrast to his previous statements regarding Swift. In May, he reportedly attacked Swift on Truth Social, saying he “hates” her and that she was “no longer HOT.”
In February, Trump claimed Swift was “booed out of the stadium” at the Super Bowl, where Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. Trump attended that Super Bowl, picking the Chiefs to win beforehand and praising quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, whom he identified as a “Trump fan.”
Last summer, Trump had also commented on Swift’s appearance, calling her “very beautiful,” but questioned her political leanings. He pondered whether the entertainer was “legitimately liberal” or if it was “just an act.”
Swift has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump, stating in 2019 that he was “gaslighting the American public.” She has also publicly endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 White House bid, further cementing her opposition to Trump’s political agenda.
The former president’s change in tone regarding one of the world’s most influential cultural figures, especially one who has politically opposed him, highlights the complex interplay between celebrity influence and political discourse.