Minutes after the conclusion of the U.S. presidential debate, Taylor Swift took to Instagram to endorse Kamala Harris for president. In her post, Swift emphasized that the best way to counter misinformation is by presenting the truth, calling Harris a "warrior" for the causes she supports.

"As a voter, I make it a priority to stay informed," Swift shared with her 283 million followers on Instagram, adding, "I will be voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 election."

Swift praised Harris, saying, "She’s a skilled and steady leader, and I believe this country will make greater strides under calm leadership rather than chaos."

In addition to her endorsement, Swift urged her fans to ensure they are registered to vote.

Responding to AI-Generated Misinformation

Swift also addressed the AI-manipulated images that Donald Trump circulated in late August, falsely portraying her and her fans as supporters of his campaign. "It heightened my concerns about AI and the risks of spreading misinformation. It made me realize the importance of being clear about my voting plans," Swift said.

Having watched the debate between Harris and Trump, Swift encouraged her followers to research the candidates' positions on key issues that matter to them. She signed the post as "Childless cat lady," referencing remarks made by Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance. The post was accompanied by a picture of Swift with her cat, Benjamin Button, one of her three pets.

Reactions to Swift’s Endorsement

The Trump campaign quickly dismissed Swift’s backing, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt commenting, "This is more evidence that the Democratic party has sadly become a party of the wealthy elite. There are plenty of Swift fans who support Trump."

Though Swift has previously endorsed Democratic candidates, including in 2018 and for Joe Biden in 2020, she had not publicly declared support for anyone in the 2024 election until this post.

In response to Swift’s endorsement, Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz remarked, "I love her music, but I prefer a world where liberals create art, and conservatives make the laws and policies."

Swift’s Fanbase Mobilizes for Kamala Harris

Swift’s endorsement isn’t without impact. Her fanbase had already begun rallying behind Harris with the formation of the "Swifties for Kamala Coalition" in late August. This group raised more than $138,000 for Harris’s campaign during a virtual rally featuring appearances by Carole King, Senators Elizabeth Warren, and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Tim Walz, Harris' running mate, expressed his gratitude on MSNBC, saying, "I’m incredibly thankful to Taylor Swift. As a fellow cat owner, I appreciate her courage in standing up for what’s right. That’s the kind of bravery we need in America today."

The Power of Celebrity Endorsements

Research from Northwestern University and the University of Maryland suggests that celebrity endorsements can influence elections. A study using Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of Barack Obama during the 2008 Democratic primary estimated her support contributed roughly a million votes to Obama, helping him surpass Hillary Clinton.

Swift's influence is particularly strong among Democrats. A 2023 Fox News poll revealed that 55% of voters have a favorable view of Swift, including 68% of Democrats. However, Republicans were divided, with 43% viewing her positively and 45% unfavorably.

Cayce Myers, a public relations professor at Virginia Tech, noted that while celebrity endorsements don’t always guarantee voter turnout, Swift’s vast fanbase and her focus on issues like women’s rights may encourage younger voters, particularly Gen Z, to cast their ballots.