In a striking display of personal taste overriding political alignment, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has revealed that Taylor Swift ranks among her most-listened-to artists of the year. This comes despite her boss, former President Donald Trump, launching repeated public attacks on the global pop superstar.
A Presidential Spokesperson's Playlist
On Wednesday, the 28-year-old Leavitt shared her 2025 Spotify Wrapped results on her Instagram Story. The data, which compiles a user's annual listening habits, placed country star Morgan Wallen at the top of her list. He was followed by Christian music artists Forrest Frank, Brandon Lake, and Anne Wilson. Notably, Taylor Swift rounded out the top five, confirming the press secretary's appreciation for the musician her employer frequently derides.
Leavitt's musical disclosure highlights a fascinating cultural rift within Trump's circle. She is not the only one close to the former president who holds a fondness for Swift. His 14-year-old granddaughter, Arabella, is a known avid Swiftie. In July 2024, she celebrated her 13th birthday with a Taylor Swift-themed cake, featuring lyrics from the hit song "Blank Space." Later that October, Arabella and her mother, Ivanka Trump, were spotted attending Swift's Eras Tour concert in Miami, Florida.
The Roots of Trump's Swift Animosity
The origin of Trump's very public disdain for Taylor Swift is distinctly political. The rift began in earnest during the 2024 Presidential Election. Hours after the first and final debate between Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, Swift took to Instagram to announce her endorsement.
"I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election," Swift wrote. She praised Harris as a "steady-handed, gifted leader" and expressed a belief that the country could achieve more "if we are led by calm and not chaos."
Trump's reaction was swift and vitriolic. Days after her declaration, he posted "I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT" on his Truth Social platform. He later doubled down in May 2025, bizarrely claiming, "Has anyone noticed that, since I said 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,' she's no longer 'HOT?'" This marked a stark reversal from comments he made years prior in Ramin Setoodeh's 2024 book, where he described Swift as "unusually beautiful" and conceded she had "a great star quality."
Personal Taste Versus Political Loyalty
The situation presents a clear case where personal and political preferences diverge. Leavitt's Spotify Wrapped revelation shows that even among the most loyal staffers, the cultural influence of an artist like Taylor Swift can transcend workplace dynamics. It underscores how music consumption often operates in a sphere separate from political allegiance.
This episode also reflects the broader cultural footprint of Taylor Swift, whose influence extends across party lines and into the families of her most vocal critics. While Trump continues his attacks, his own spokesperson and family members quietly, or not so quietly, enjoy her record-breaking catalogue. The divide suggests that in today's polarised climate, even a shared playlist can become a subtle statement.
