Donald Trump has responded to Taylor Swift‘s recent divisive political comments about the upcoming US midterm elections.
“I’m writing this post about the upcoming midterm elections on November 6th, in which I’ll be voting in the state of Tennessee. In the past, I’ve been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now” Swift wrote on the social platform.
She continued: “I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent. I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love.”
The Tennessee-native went on to say: “As much as I have in the past and would like to continue voting for women in office, I cannot support Marsha Blackburn. Her voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me. She voted against equal pay for women. She voted against the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which attempts to protect women from domestic violence, stalking, and date rape. She believes businesses have a right to refuse service to gay couples. She also believes they should not have the right to marry. These are not MY Tennessee values.
Lending his support for Ms Blackburn yesterday, President Trump said she was “doing a very good job”, adding: “She’s a tremendous woman. I’m sure Taylor Swift doesn’t know anything about her.”
Trump also commented: “Let’s say that I like Taylor’s music about 25% less now.”
“Let’s say that I like Taylor’s music about 25% less now,” Pres. Trump jokes following Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Democratic Tennessee senatorial candidate Phil Bredesen. https://t.co/D0fh71pQFl pic.twitter.com/4qeR6fCZcr
— ABC News (@ABC) October 8, 2018
Swift remained famously apolitical in recent years and even faced criticism for not speaking out against Donald Trump’s election in 2016.