In Ramin Setoodeh's new book, "Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America Through the Looking Glass," Donald Trump reflects on pop superstar Taylor Swift.
When Setoodeh asked Trump about Swift in November 2023, he praised her beauty extensively, calling her "very beautiful" multiple times, but admitted he was unfamiliar with her music. He noted her talent and expressed surprise at her liberal political stance, questioning whether it was genuine.
Trump's fascination with Swift seemed rooted in her fame rather than her music or political beliefs. Despite her transition from country to pop music, Trump still associated her with the country genre, which he finds perplexing given her liberal stance. He extended this confusion to other liberal country stars like Garth Brooks, demonstrating his difficulty reconciling their success with their political views.
The book "Apprentice in Wonderland" also covers Trump's interactions with various celebrities during his reality TV era. As a new generation of stars views him as a villain, Trump remains intrigued by their fame and public personas.
Trump's musings on Swift reflect a broader theme in the book: his engagement with celebrities and how they intersect with his political and public life. His comments on Swift tell his perspective on fame, beauty, and political alignment, showcasing his ongoing interest in cultural figures and their influence.
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Swift's political journey contrasts sharply with Trump's views. Initially rumored to be a secret Republican during the 2016 election cycle, she publicly endorsed Democratic candidates in Tennessee in 2018. She voiced her political opinions more openly, criticizing Republican candidate Marsha Blackburn and later supporting Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in 2020. Swift's criticism of Trump peaked during the George Floyd protests when she accused him of promoting racism and white supremacy.
Since then, Swift has become increasingly vocal about political issues, particularly supporting LGBTQIA+ and human rights. In her 2020 concert film "Miss Americana," she explained her reluctance to speak out during the 2016 election due to being in a difficult place personally. Swift emphasized the need to align with modern values, stating that today's celebrities and Republicans differ from previous generations and expressing her desire to be on the right side of history.
Despite Swift's clear political stance, Trump has sought her endorsement. In February, he claimed on Truth Social that he was responsible for the Music Modernization Act, benefiting Swift and other artists, contrasting it with Biden's lack of contributions to her. Trump argued that Swift could not endorse Biden without being disloyal to him, who, according to Trump, significantly benefited her financially. He also mentioned liking her boyfriend, Travis, despite assuming Travis is a liberal and likely dislikes him.
The Guardian interviewed US voters from various regions who shared their perspectives on Swift's political activism. Michael Dee, a 67-year-old investment banker from Dallas, Texas, strongly supported Swift's political activism. Dee believed Swift, as a powerful role model for young women, has the potential to change his political views and is particularly effective at challenging misogynistic attitudes.
Louise, a 72-year-old unpaid family caregiver from Florida, emphasized the significant influence of Swift's endorsement on her political views. She valued Swift's opinion more than any male figure in Washington DC or the media, highlighting the importance of Swift's perspective in shaping her beliefs.
Geoff Lusk, a 58-year-old pilates instructor based in Denver, Colorado, suggested that Swift should utilize her platform to encourage her fan base to critically assess political issues and form their own opinions. He recognized Swift's significant influence and commended her for leveraging her popularity to advocate for causes close to her heart. Lusk hoped Swift's advocacy encourages more people to get involved in their communities and promotes inclusivity while reducing divisive language.
Setoodeh's book, out on June 18, sheds light on Trump's views on current celebrities, showing how he interacts with them post-presidency.
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