The Jesse Watters segment warning Swift could be a “Pentagon asset” offered the latest conspiracy theory exploiting the singer-songwriter’s fame and her past support for Democrats such as President Joe Biden.
Attacks targeting Swift in recent months have ranged from personal barbs to accusations of witchcraft and speculation about her political involvement.
Already a megastar, Swift’s stature grew in 2023, as she broke music records, performed the highest-grossing music tour in history and began dating American football player Travis Kelce. Time magazine named her Person of the Year.
As Swift’s star rose, so did attacks against her. Fringe influencers such as far-right radio host Stew Peters accused her of witchcraft at concerts and claimed she was “responsible for murder” after Kelce appeared in a vaccine ad.
“I cannot think of another celebrity whose endorsement and activities on behalf of a candidate would be more coveted,” said David Jackson, a political science professor at Bowling Green State University, adding that he expects more attacks as the election approaches.
The famously tight-lipped Swift remained quiet during former president Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, but she later criticized him and endorsed Biden in 2020.
More recently, she spoke against the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn abortion rights, and urged concertgoers to research which politicians support LGBTQ communities and vote against legislation “harmful” to them.
