In a surprising twist in the world of politics and pop culture, former US President Donald Trump has claimed that he played a significant role in bolstering Taylor Swift’s career financially. This bold assertion was made through a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday (February 11), seemingly in reaction to rumors that President Joe Biden is seeking the pop superstar’s endorsement for the upcoming election.
Trump’s statement, “I signed and was responsible for the Music Modernization Act for Taylor Swift and all other Musical Artists. Joe Biden didn’t do anything for Taylor, and never will,” highlights his belief in his contribution to the music industry, particularly in Swift’s success. He further speculated on Swift’s potential political stance, saying, “There’s no way she could endorse Crooked Joe Biden, the worst and most corrupt President in the History of our Country, and be disloyal to the man who made her so much money.”
Adding a personal note to his political commentary, Trump mentioned, “Besides that, I like her boyfriend, Travis, even though he may be a Liberal, and probably can’t stand me!” It’s worth noting that Trump’s reference to Swift’s “boyfriend, Travis” seems to be a mix-up, as the singer is not known to be dating anyone by that name.
While Trump did sign the Music Modernization Act (MMA) into law in 2018, the impact of this legislation on Swift’s career is debatable. The MMA was primarily designed to ensure songwriters and artists from pre-1972 were fairly compensated for mechanical royalties and satellite radio plays. This legislation indeed benefited songwriters by modernizing the rate standard for mechanical royalties, potentially increasing rates beneficial for all songwriters, not just Swift.
However, Trump’s direct involvement in the passage of the MMA is overstated. The act passed through Congress with significant bipartisan support, and Trump’s role was essentially to sign the bill into law—a standard procedure that does not typically involve the president’s active participation in the legislation’s development.
This claim comes amidst a backdrop of political tension, with Trump’s allies declaring a “holy war” against Swift as the election approaches. Swift, who endorsed Biden in the 2020 election, has yet to respond to Trump’s remarks. Her endorsement had a considerable impact, driving record numbers to the Vote.org website on the eve of the presidential election.
Swift, known for her strategic silence on political matters in the early years of her career, has become more vocal in recent years, endorsing candidates and advocating for policies aligned with her beliefs. Her influence, particularly among young voters, is undeniable, making her endorsement a coveted asset in political campaigns.
As the political landscape continues to intertwine with celebrity culture, Trump’s claim reiterates the complex relationship between politics, personal branding, and the entertainment industry. Whether Swift will respond to these assertions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the intersection of pop culture and politics is more relevant than ever.
