Written by Michael Johnson.
Travis Kelce’s recent Instagram activity has sparked a firestorm among Taylor Swift’s fans, aka, Swifties. Apparently, Gen Z has nothing better to do than worship celebrities and subsequently lose their minds if said celebrities have an opinion other than their fans.
Social Media Stir
Last month, Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and boyfriend of pop star Taylor Swift, caused a stir by liking a pro-Donald Trump Instagram post by former ESPN host Sage Steele. Known for her conservative views, Steele shared images and videos with the former president at UFC 299, expressing her thrill over the experience. Despite anticipating backlash, Steele’s post celebrated diverse thought, prompting varied reactions.
Swifties in Disarray
The controversy resurfaced days ago when Swift’s liberal fanbase discovered Kelce’s interaction with the post. This revelation led to an uproar among Swifties, with some expressing disbelief and disappointment over Kelce’s apparent political stance, sparking widespread debate and sarcastic comments about the predictability of his actions.
Background on Swift and Trump
The relationship dynamics between Kelce, Swift, and Trump add layers to the story. Swift, a vocal critic of Trump, has previously accused him of “stoking the fires of white supremacy” and expressed regret over not opposing him in the 2016 election. Conversely, Trump has commented on Swift’s music and her political statements, noting a decrease in his appreciation for her tunes following her criticisms.
Political Implications
Despite her past criticisms of Trump, Swift has not endorsed Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election, leading to speculation about her current political stance. Trump has noted Swift’s silence, suggesting she cannot support Biden after his administration’s performance and claiming credit for beneficial legislation affecting musicians like Swift.
Our Take
The uproar over a simple social media “like” underscores the volatile nature of celebrity involvement in politics. It reflects a broader societal issue where public figures are scrutinized for their personal views, often leading to public backlash. This incident should remind us of the importance of free speech and the right to private opinion, even for public figures. While fans have the right to their reactions, the expectation that celebrities will always align perfectly with their views is unrealistic and potentially harmful to the discourse. The focus should perhaps shift from celebrity political endorsements to more substantive issues affecting our nation.
Newsmax Host Greg Kelly slams Taylor Swift:
“They’re elevating her to an idol.
Idolatry. This is a little bit of what idolatry, I think, looks like. And you’re not supposed to do that. In fact, if you look it up in the Bible, it’s a sin!” pic.twitter.com/qrw0MOxy3j— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) January 30, 2024
