Watch Taylor Swift’s support for Harris and Trump’s reaction after the debate
Taylor Swift used Instagram to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Former President Donald Trump responded in the Spin Room.
Rachel Maddow surprised vice presidential candidate Tim Walz with breaking news during a live television interview directly after the presidential debate on Tuesday night: Taylor Swift is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election.
The Minnesota governor was on air at MSNBC reacting to Harris’ first presidential debate between her and former Republican President Donald Trump when he heard the news.
“While we were talking, someone gave me something,” Maddow told Walz. “I don’t think you know about this, but this was just posted online by a woman you may have heard of. Her name is Taylor Swift.”
Maddow then read the statement Swift had just shared on her Instagram account, along with a photo of her holding Benjamin Button, one of her three cats.
“I will be voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election,” Swift wrote in the post signed “Childless Cat Lady.”
As Maddow read these words, Walz placed a hand over his heart, tapped it twice and smiled broadly.
Taylor Swift’s reaction to the debate? She immediately supported Vice President Kamala Harris for President
Tim Walz is thrilled
Maddow then asked Walz to comment on this recommendation.
He immediately formed a “Wow” with his lips.
“I am incredibly grateful to Taylor Swift and I say that as a cat owner.” Walz told Maddow, echoing his thoughts: “That was eloquent and clear and that is the kind of courage we need in America to stand up.”
The governor then urged “Swifties” (also known as Swift fans) to visit Harris’ website to learn more about the candidate and the Democratic campaign.
Swift wrote on Tuesday, among other things: “I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes that I believe need a warrior to represent them,” the singer wrote after the debate ended under a photo of her with her cat. “I think she is a calm, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country when we are led by calm, not chaos. I was so encouraged and impressed by her choice of her running mate @timwalz, who has been fighting for decades for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body.”
Reaction to the “adorable” moment
Viewers immediately took to social media to voice their opinions on Maddow’s announcement of the news and Walz’s reaction.
“Maddow just informed Tim Walz that Taylor Swift is supporting Harris/Walz. This is adorable,” one person posted on X.
“Just literally brought to tears when Rachel Maddow read Taylor Swift’s letter of recommendation to confirmed Swiftie Tim Waltz on air,” another person posted.
“Rachel Maddow being the one reading Taylor Swift’s letter of recommendation to Tim Walz and witnessing his joy live is the closest I’ll ever get to seeing how I react to new Taylor’s Versions,” posted another X-user.
Who won the debate? Harris’ powerful performance embarrasses Trump, who has been pushed onto the defensive.
During her 18-year career, Swift has publicly supported three candidates, including Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
Within an hour of her Harris endorsement, more than three million people, including other celebrities, had liked her post. By Wednesday morning, that number had risen to nearly eight million.
Contributors: Anika Reed
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X at @nataliealund.
