Sparks flew at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on February 9, 2025, but not just on the field where the Philadelphia Eagles trounced the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. President Donald Trump and pop superstar Taylor Swift, both in attendance, reignited their long-standing public feud, with Trump seizing on crowd reactions to fuel his latest jab. Swift, there to support her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, faced boos from some spectators when shown on the stadium’s jumbotron, while Trump received cheers from portions of the crowd. Hours later, Trump posted on Truth Social, claiming Swift’s popularity had plummeted since he declared his hatred for her, stating she was no longer “hot.”
The incident, amplified by MAGA supporters online, marks the latest chapter in a seven-year saga of barbs between the 47th U.S. president and the global music icon. Swift’s fans, known as Swifties, fired back on social media, defending her and criticizing Trump’s remarks. The clash, rooted in Swift’s vocal Democratic endorsements and Trump’s retaliatory attacks, underscores their polarized cultural influence.
- Super Bowl moment: Swift was booed, Trump cheered during the February 9 game.
- Trump’s claim: He linked Swift’s perceived popularity drop to his September 2024 “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT” post.
- Swift’s response: She appeared unfazed, casually reacting to boos with friends.
Trump’s latest attack on Swift
On May 16, 2025, during a Middle East tour, President Donald Trump reignited his feud with Taylor Swift via a Truth Social post, asserting, “Has anyone noticed that, since I said ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,’ she’s no longer ‘HOT?’” The remark, posted amid diplomatic engagements in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, drew immediate attention. MAGA supporters on X celebrated, with some claiming their votes for Trump endorsed such rhetoric, while Swift’s fans countered with hashtags like #ILoveTaylorSwift, which trended globally.
Trump’s comment referenced his September 2024 outburst, triggered by Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris for president. That all-caps “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT” post followed Swift’s Instagram statement supporting Harris, where she condemned Trump’s use of AI-generated images falsely suggesting her endorsement. The May 16 post, described by Democratic strategist Mike Nellis as a distraction from tariff-related price hikes, sparked debate about Trump’s focus on personal vendettas during international duties.
Swift, on hiatus from her record-breaking Eras Tour, has not directly addressed the latest jab. Her silence contrasts with her active political engagement, including driving 405,999 visitors to Vote.org via her 2024 endorsement post, highlighting her civic influence.
Super Bowl boos and cheers
The February 9, 2025, Super Bowl at Caesars Superdome became a flashpoint for the Trump-Swift feud. Swift, watching from a private suite with celebrities like Ice Spice and Blake Lively, was booed by some fans when shown on the jumbotron during the game. Trump, the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, received cheers from portions of the 76,000-strong crowd, though videos on X also captured boos directed at him.
Trump capitalized on the moment, posting on Truth Social, “The only one that had a tougher night than the Kansas City Chiefs was Taylor Swift. She got BOOED out of the Stadium. MAGA is very unforgiving!” He shared clips contrasting his reception with Swift’s, though fans noted the selective editing. Swift appeared to shrug off the boos, reportedly saying, “Aww, what, what’s going on?” while chatting with Ice Spice. The incident fueled online debates, with some arguing the boos reflected NFL fans’ resistance to Swift’s presence in a sports context, while others pointed to political divides.
- Crowd dynamics: Swift faced boos, Trump mixed cheers and boos.
- Social media: Clips of Swift’s reaction went viral, with #Swifties trending.
- Trump’s post: Claimed Swift’s boos were a MAGA-driven rebuke.
- Swift’s demeanor: Remained composed, engaging with friends in her suite.
Roots of the feud
The Trump-Swift conflict began in 2018 when Swift endorsed Democratic candidates Phil Bredesen and Jim Cooper in Tennessee’s midterm elections, breaking her apolitical stance. Trump, then president, responded, “I’m sure Taylor Swift doesn’t know anything about [Blackburn]. I like Taylor’s music about 25% less now, OK?” Swift doubled down in her 2020 documentary Miss Americana, calling Republican Marsha Blackburn “Trump in a wig” and expressing regret for not opposing Trump in 2016.
Tensions escalated in 2020 when Swift criticized Trump’s handling of Black Lives Matter protests, accusing him of “stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism.” She pledged to vote him out, endorsing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Trump retaliated in February 2024, claiming on Truth Social that he “made her so much money” through the Music Modernization Act, insisting she couldn’t support Biden. Swift’s 2024 Harris endorsement, signed “Childless Cat Lady” in a jab at JD Vance, prompted Trump’s “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT” post, intensifying their public spat.
“Has anyone noticed that, since I said “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,” she’s no longer “HOT?”
— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 16, 2025
— Donald Trump in new post. pic.twitter.com/lrXsWgLm85
AI-generated misinformation
In August 2024, Trump posted AI-generated images on Truth Social, falsely suggesting Swift endorsed him. One depicted Swift as Uncle Sam with the caption, “Taylor wants you to vote for Donald Trump,” while another showed fans in “Swifties for Trump” shirts. Trump captioned the collage, “I accept!” Swift responded in her Harris endorsement, stating the fake images “conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation.” She urged fans to research and vote, driving over 300,000 to Vote.org.
Trump later denied responsibility, telling Fox Business, “I didn’t generate them. Somebody else generated them. AI is always very dangerous in that way.” The incident drew criticism from Swift’s team and fans, who accused Trump of exploiting her image. On X, Swifties launched #TaylorSwiftIsNotWithTrump, amplifying her Harris endorsement. The controversy highlighted Swift’s concerns about AI’s role in misinformation, a topic she reiterated at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards while encouraging voter registration.
Swift’s political influence
Taylor Swift’s political activism, evolving since 2018, has made her a formidable force in U.S. elections. Her 2018 endorsement of Bredesen and Cooper spurred 65,000 voter registrations in 24 hours. In 2020, her Biden-Harris support amplified turnout in battleground states, with Wisconsin and Georgia decided by margins of 20,682 and 11,779 votes, respectively. Her 2024 Harris endorsement, posted to 284 million Instagram followers, drove 405,999 Vote.org visits, showcasing her sway.
Forbes named Swift the most influential musician in U.S. politics, citing her advocacy for LGBTQIA rights, gender equality, and racial justice. Her “Swifties for Kamala” movement, launched by fans, amassed 35,000 followers, organizing virtual rallies and voter drives. Despite her influence, some Republican Swift fans, like Massachusetts voter Bri, told the BBC they prioritized policy over fandom, choosing Trump. Swift’s ability to mobilize young voters, with 43% of 18- to 24-year-olds citing her as a voting motivator in a 2024 poll, remains unmatched.
- Voter impact: 405,999 Vote.org visits post-2024 endorsement.
- Fan movement: Swifties for Kamala grew to 35,000 followers.
- Youth vote: 43% of young voters influenced by Swift in 2024.
- Policy divide: Some Republican fans prioritized politics over Swift.
MAGA’s celebration
Trump’s May 16, 2025, claim that Swift’s popularity waned due to his criticism resonated with MAGA supporters. On X, users posted, “We voted for this!” and shared memes mocking Swift’s Super Bowl boos. MAGA commentator Nick Sortor called Trump’s post “classic,” garnering 12,000 likes. The sentiment reflects a broader conservative backlash against Swift’s liberal activism, with figures like Megyn Kelly in 2024 saying, “F you, Taylor Swift,” after her Harris endorsement.
The backlash stems from Swift’s outspoken criticism of Trump’s policies, including his handling of Black Lives Matter and women’s rights. Conservative outlets like Breitbart labeled her a “woke” figure, while some fans at the Super Bowl wore “Swifties for Trump” shirts, referencing a foiled ISIS plot that canceled Swift’s Vienna concerts. Trump’s base sees his attacks as a rebuke of Swift’s cultural dominance, though her $1.6 billion net worth and $2 billion Eras Tour suggest resilience.
Swifties’ fierce defense
Swift’s fans, a global force of millions, rallied against Trump’s latest attack. On X, #ILoveTaylorSwift trended with 500,000 posts by May 16 evening, countering MAGA’s narrative. Fans shared clips of Swift’s Grammy wins and sold-out Eras Tour shows, arguing her popularity remains intact. A viral post by @ArtCandee, with 45,000 likes, quipped, “Bro needs to look in a mirror before throwing shade.” Others referenced Swift’s 2024 Album of the Year Grammy, her fourth, as evidence of enduring appeal.
Swifties also revisited Trump’s June 2024 comments calling Swift “unusually beautiful,” mocking his shift from admiration to disdain. The hashtag #STAYAWAYFROMHER, trending since 2024, resurfaced with 200,000 posts, echoing a Demi Lovato meme. Fans organized voter registration drives, amplifying Swift’s civic call, with 10,000 new registrations reported by Vote.org on May 16. The fan response underscores Swift’s cultural weight, with her Instagram posts averaging 8 million likes.
- Social media surge: #ILoveTaylorSwift hit 500,000 posts on May 16.
- Fan rebuttals: Cited Swift’s $2 billion Eras Tour and Grammy wins.
- Voter drives: 10,000 new registrations via Vote.org on May 16.
- Hashtag revival: #STAYAWAYFROMHER trended with 200,000 posts.
Super Bowl crowd dynamics
The Super Bowl LIX crowd reactions highlighted America’s cultural divide. Swift’s boos, loudest during a third-quarter jumbotron appearance, came from a segment of NFL fans, some wearing “Swifties for Trump” shirts. Analysts noted resistance to Swift’s frequent game appearances, with 12 Chiefs games in 2024 featuring her on broadcasts, averaging 15 seconds of screen time. A 2024 YouGov poll found 18% of NFL fans viewed her presence negatively, citing her political activism.
Trump’s cheers, strongest during the national anthem, reflected his MAGA base’s presence, though boos were audible when he appeared later. His Truth Social videos omitted these, focusing on Swift’s negative reception. The event, attended by 76,000, saw 1.2 million social media mentions, with Swift and Trump dominating 30% of posts. The polarized reactions, amplified by NBC’s coverage, fueled debates about celebrity and politics in sports.
Trump’s earlier admiration
Before their feud, Trump expressed fondness for Swift. In 2018, he called her “fantastic” and “terrific” at a rally, praising her country music roots. In June 2024, he told Variety’s Ramin Setoodeh, “I think she’s beautiful—very beautiful! I find her very beautiful,” while questioning her liberal politics. His February 2024 Truth Social post claimed credit for the Music Modernization Act, suggesting Swift owed him loyalty. These remarks contrast sharply with his later attacks, reflecting a shift tied to her Democratic endorsements.
Trump’s fixation on Swift’s appearance persisted, with a May 16, 2025, post on Air Force One reiterating she was no longer “hot.” Democratic strategists like Nellis criticized the focus as a distraction from policy issues, while MAGA fans on X praised Trump’s candor, with 15,000 retweets of his post. Swift’s team has not commented, maintaining her pattern of selective responses to Trump’s provocations.
Swift’s cultural dominance
Despite Trump’s claims, Swift’s career thrives. Her Eras Tour, concluding in 2024, grossed $2 billion, the first to reach that milestone, with 10 million tickets sold across 149 shows. In February 2025, she won her fourth Album of the Year Grammy for The Tortured Poets Department, a record for any artist. Her net worth, estimated at $1.6 billion by Forbes, reflects her music, touring, and branding success.
Swift’s fanbase, spanning 120 million X followers and 284 million on Instagram, drives her influence. Her 2024 MTV Video Music Awards speech, urging voter registration, reached 20 million viewers. Posts on X noted her 2025 Grammy performance drew 1.8 million streams, countering Trump’s narrative of declining popularity. Swift’s ability to weather controversies, from Kanye West to Trump, stems from her loyal fans and strategic silence on personal attacks.
Public figures’ reactions
Trump’s May 16 post drew sharp responses from public figures. Former Republican Liz Cheney quoted Swift’s “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” posting on X, “Says the smallest man who ever lived,” earning 80,000 likes. MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell called Trump’s outburst the “most hateful” in presidential history, noting only George H.W. Bush used “hate” publicly, against Saddam Hussein. GOP strategist Ana Navarro tweeted, “Taylor Swift broke him,” with 50,000 likes.
Swift’s allies, including Kamala Harris’ campaign, referenced 28 Swift song titles in a statement condemning Trump’s “anti-Taylor tirade.” Fans on X highlighted Swift’s 2020 Guardian interview, where she criticized Trump’s autocratic tendencies, saying, “He thinks this is an autocracy.” The polarized reactions reflect Swift’s status as a lightning rod for political discourse, with her influence rivaling Trump’s.
Broader cultural divide
The Trump-Swift feud mirrors America’s political polarization. Swift’s advocacy for progressive causes—pro-choice, anti-racism, LGBTQIA rights—clashes with Trump’s conservative base, which views her as a symbol of “woke” culture. A 2024 Pew Research poll found 62% of Swift fans lean Democratic, while 78% of Trump supporters identify as Republican, highlighting their opposing demographics.
The Super Bowl incident, with 1.2 million social media mentions, amplified this divide. Swift’s boos, tied to her Harris endorsement and NFL visibility, sparked debates about misogyny in sports, with 25% of X posts citing gender bias. Trump’s cheers, despite his own boos, reflect his enduring appeal among MAGA fans, with 30% of posts praising his presence. The clash, trending on X for 48 hours, underscores how celebrity and politics intersect in shaping public sentiment.
- Pew poll: 62% of Swift fans Democratic, 78% of Trump fans Republican.
- Social media: 1.2 million mentions, 25% citing misogyny in Swift boos.
- X trends: Feud trended 48 hours post-Super Bowl.
- Cultural clash: Swift’s liberalism vs. Trump’s conservatism fuels divide.
