Former President Trump shared images on Sunday, some made with AI, showing supposed support from Taylor Swift and her fans. This sparked a big media reaction.
Trump posted a collage on Truth Social, showing Swift and her fans, the "Swifties," backing him. One fake image mimicked Uncle Sam, with Swift in red, white, and blue, saying, "Taylor Swift Wants You To Vote For Donald Trump." Trump added, "I accept!"
Another image included a satirical headline claiming, "Swifties turning to Trump after ISIS foiled Taylor Swift concert," along with AI-made pictures of fans in "Swifties for Trump" shirts. Trump also shared a real photo of a woman wearing one of these shirts.
Trump's spokesman, Steven Cheung, told Fox News Digital that "Swifties for Trump" is a growing movement. He criticized Kamala Harris, blaming her for the harm caused to Americans.
The media quickly responded, with many outlets criticizing Trump for falsely suggesting Swift endorsed him. NBC News pointed out the lack of reality in the "Swifties for Trump" idea. The Daily Beast called it part of Trump's "Sunday meltdown." Rep. Eric Swalwell said Trump made a mistake by provoking the Swifties.
Headlines from Teen Vogue, The New Republic, and Rolling Stone echoed the sentiment that Trump's AI stunt backfired. Forbes also highlighted the false nature of the Swift endorsement.
Some liberal Swift fans, including "Swifties For Kamala," were unhappy. Irene Kim, from Swifties4Harris, told WIRED they don't need AI to show their support for Kamala Harris.
Trump has admitted before that Swift isn't a supporter, so his "acceptance" might have been a joke or just acknowledging any Swift fans backing him.
Swift hasn't endorsed anyone for 2024, but it's unlikely she'll back Trump. In 2018, she endorsed Democrats in Tennessee and spoke out against Trump. In 2020, she endorsed Biden and criticized Trump for promoting White supremacy and racism, vowing to vote him out. Swift also supports LGBTQ rights and opposed the overturning of Roe v. Wade.