Taylor Swift’s engagement to Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has drawn an unusual reaction from some US conservatives, with right-wing commentators suggesting the marriage could make the pop star “more conservative” despite her history of liberal activism.
Charlie Kirk, a prominent pro-Trump youth leader, said on his podcast this week that he hoped the announcement would encourage Swift to “reject feminism” and “submit” to her husband. He described the engagement as an opportunity for the 34-year-old singer to “reconnect” with a conservative upbringing and called on her to have “a ton of children.”
The remarks, which quickly went viral on social media, drew criticism from Swift’s fans. “Why is a grown man spending his day thinking about this,” one user posted, while another described Kirk as “an ignorant, bigoted dogmatist.”
Swift revealed the engagement on Instagram Tuesday, writing “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” a post that gained over 16 million likes within three hours. She has been in a relationship with Kelce for two years.
Other conservative commentators also weighed in, framing the marriage as a cultural win. CNN contributor Scott Jennings said the couple could “make the greatest contribution to western civilization” by having children, while conservative influencer Matt Van Swol called the engagement “a huge blow to the woke movement.”
Some suggested the union could influence Swift’s large following. “Millions of liberal Swifties just got the ‘ok’ to get married,” wrote Collin Rugg, co-owner of right-wing outlet Trending Politics.
Not all conservatives were critical. Former President Donald Trump, who has previously clashed with Swift over her endorsement of Democratic vice president Kamala Harris, offered congratulations. “I think he’s a great player, I think he’s a great guy and I think that she’s a terrific person,” Trump told reporters. “So I wish them a lot of luck.”
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