Taylor Swift Endorses Kamala Harris For President
Swift made a rare political statement on her Instagram account shortly after tonight's debate between Harris and Donald Trump concluded.
Photo by Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights ManagementHell has frozen over: Taylor Swift, in a rare political endorsement, has announced to the world that she will be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris, the current Democratic nominee, in the 2024 United States presidential election. “I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them,” Swift penned in an Instagram post tonight. “I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.”
Swift also commented on former President Donald J. Trump’s recent (and false) claims that she was planning on voting for him. “Recently I was made aware that AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site,” she continued. “It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.”
At the time of Paste writing this, Swift’s post has over 2 million likes and will likely reach a far greater number by midnight. The pop sensation has over 283 million followers, and strategists, fans and beyond have hypothesized whether or not her cultural command could, in fact, sway an election. It will be hard to gauge how Swift’s announcement will influence the race, but the photo she posted features her with one of her cats and a parting message ringing in as a quippy, powerful jab at Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio: “With love and hope, Taylor Swift Childless Cat Lady.”
Karoline Leavitt, a spokewoman for Trump and his campaign, told The New York Times that Swift’s endorsement of Harris is “more evidence that the Democrat party has become the party of the wealthy elite.” Over the last handful of months, many have speculated Swift’s position on the election and whether or not she would make any kind of formal alignment. During the last two election cycles, Swift elected not to comment publicly. However, in 2018, she supported two Democratic candidates for congress (Phil Bredesen and Jim Cooper). With the 2024 election just two months away, her post tonight may signal a major, major turn in the race.
Read Taylor Swift’s full statement below:
Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country.
Recently I was made aware that AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.
I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades.
I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered! I also find it’s much easier to vote early. I’ll link where to register and find early voting dates and info in my story.
With love and hope,
Taylor Swift
Childless Cat Lady