Taylor Swift: A Role Model For Engaging with Grace

Left or Right, Ms. Americana Shows How to Defend Your Values

Political commentators seem to have a new favorite punching bag, and she is a 5’10’’ blonde cat mom. At 35 years old, Taylor Swift is at the height of her career but is also experiencing hate like never before, particularly from the right. Several huge conservative pundits have been obsessed with their hatred for Ms. Swift for the past few years, but the vitriol has especially heated up since she endorsed Kamala Harris for President. Even before that announcement, however, it seemed like popular pundits spent more time complaining about Taylor Swift’s love life, morals, and even reproductive abilities (see Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk asking if Taylor Swift “has any eggs left?”) than discussing policy. 

Taylor Swift is often a controversial figure in conservative politics. This is a mistake, and continuing to make arguably the most beloved celebrity among young women in America the mortal enemy of the conservative movement is not only going to hurt them politically, but will also hurt young women if they miss out on a person who may be a truly a good role model.

Lay off Ms. Americana. 

Yes, Taylor Swift is a democrat. So what? So are the vast majority of celebrities. Believing that someone's political beliefs alone make them a bad person, no matter where they are on the spectrum, is highly unhealthy. In our divided society, cynics may have a hard time believing that while Americans disagree on a lot of topics, most people form their belief system because they genuinely believe that is what will make our country a better place. Most people (including Taylor Swift I would be willing to bet) are not going to the voting polls because they hate their fellow Americans and want to cause destruction in their lives. 

In January of last year, AI generated attacks depicting Taylor Swift in sexually explicit and violent situations spread to millions of people on Twitter. As a victim of this online sexual harassment, Swift has since advocated for greater safety measures when it comes to artificial intelligence and deepfake pornography.  

Some believe this may be why, after the presidential debate between then-former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Taylor Swift took to Instagram to voice her thoughts. She explained that she wished to “combat misinformation” after fake AI images of her supporting President Trump (not created by the candidate himself) circulated online . If a candidate was using a fake endorsement from her, she had every right to correct the mistake. She did it in a classy way as well; she did not take to X to cuss, scream, or argue with the Trump Campaign. She made her position clear in a polite manner, showing poise and self-control in a high profile situation. 

In the post, Swift goes on to explain her ideological reasoning for supporting the Harris-Walz Campaign, but then states “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.” 

Swift voiced her opinion, which she had every right to do, but she very clearly encouraged her followers to make up their own minds. She did not say anything derogatory about Trump supporters or even tell her followers to not vote for Trump. She told us who she is voting for, why she will be voting for them, and why others should vote as well. She showed her fans, especially her younger fans, that you can stand up for your beliefs in a civil manner. 

Her friendship with and unwillingness to cave to public pressure and denounce Brittany Mahomes after it was rumored that the Chief’s wife was a Trump supporter demonstrates that Swift openly has friends on both sides of the political aisle, and she is not going to back down to cancel culture. During the 2024 presidential election cycle, there was even a “Swifties for Trump” group (as well as Swifties for Kamala, of course). Swift is loyal to her friends and family, including her dad who is rumored to be a republican himself, no matter their political differences. 

Taylor Swift may make her own opinions clear, but her behavior during one of the most heated presidential campaign seasons in her lifetime can be a lesson to people on all sides of the political spectrum. Expressing your opinion with civility and mutual respect never goes out of style.