In an explosive and controversial statement, right-wing political commentator Megyn Kelly recently stirred public reaction with her response to the news of Elon Musk reportedly stepping down from a government role. As speculation swirled following reports that US President Donald Trump had informed close aides of Musk’s decision to exit a temporary governmental position, Kelly used the opportunity to lavish praise on Musk — and, in the same breath, took an unexpected swipe at global pop sensation Taylor Swift.This surprising juxtaposition between one of the most influential tech moguls and a globally beloved music artist didn’t go unnoticed. With her comments, Kelly managed to ignite a firestorm, especially among Taylor Swift’s fiercely loyal fanbase, the Swifties.
Megyn Kelly, known for her unapologetic views and often polarizing opinions, didn’t hold back in her reaction to the Musk news. She called Musk “someone the US is lucky to have,” applauding his willingness to even “touch the government with a 10-ft pole.” While Musk and the White House dismissed the rumors about his departure, Kelly claimed it was no surprise, citing Musk’s prior involvement in a time-bound government project.
However, what drew more attention — and a heap of backlash — was how Kelly pivoted to criticize Taylor Swift in a comparison that many viewed as unnecessary and deeply unfair. “It’s not like Taylor Swift,” she began, setting the tone for what was to follow.According to Kelly, Swift “got booed at the Super Bowl because she got political,” which, in her view, resulted in alienating half of her fan base and half of the country. The remark implied that Swift’s decision to voice political opinions was a poor one, driven by self-importance rather than meaningful contribution.“You did not need to get political. But in her case, it was utterly pointless. You have no political swing, you just wanted to feel like you are more important…” Kelly concluded.Unsurprisingly, the Swiftie army — an online force known for their passion, creativity, and unwavering defense of Taylor Swift — did not take kindly to Kelly’s comments. Social media exploded with reactions ranging from sarcastic memes to scathing threads dissecting Kelly’s double standards.To many Swift fans, it wasn’t just an attack on their favorite artist; it was a reinforcement of a broader issue — the criticism often levied against women who dare to use their voice in the political arena. They argued that Kelly’s comments revealed a deep-rooted discomfort with politically active women, especially those in the entertainment industry.
“Taylor used her platform to speak up on issues that matter to her and her fans — voting rights, equality, and basic human decency,” one viral tweet read. “Elon Musk gets praised for tweeting about the government while Taylor Swift gets vilified for encouraging young people to vote?”Another fan responded with, “Swift’s involvement in politics is branded ‘pointless’ while Musk, a billionaire with a history of controversial tweets, is considered a national asset. The hypocrisy is staggering.”Kelly didn’t just stop at defending Musk’s governmental engagement. She took a further step by portraying him as a victim of political backlash and economic sabotage. “It has been very hard for Elon Musk as nobody now wants to buy a Tesla,” she said, claiming that Tesla vehicles are under attack and the company is suffering because of political and social antagonism.She even suggested that hate crimes were being committed against Tesla and accused people like former Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz of celebrating attacks on the automaker. Despite the Department of Justice’s supposed protection of Musk, Kelly painted a grim picture — one where one of the most prominent innovators of the modern era is under siege.
In this context, Kelly framed Musk as a courageous, misunderstood figure fighting against a hostile system — someone willing to engage politically for a greater cause, unlike Swift, whom she characterized as performative and self-serving in her activism.The core of Kelly’s argument lies in the stark difference she draws between Musk and Swift. On the one hand, Elon Musk is elevated as a visionary with a real stake in the nation’s political and technological future. On the other hand, Swift is dismissed as someone seeking relevance through political commentary.But critics argue that this dichotomy is not only misleading but emblematic of deeper cultural biases. Why is Musk’s political engagement seen as noble, while Swift’s is derided as empty? Why is a male billionaire granted credibility, while a female artist is mocked for stepping into the political arena?This disparity is not lost on Swifties or political observers. “It’s another classic case of how society polices women’s voices while granting men the benefit of the doubt,” one commenter wrote. “Megyn Kelly should know better.”
Kelly’s comments reignited the long-standing debate over whether celebrities should engage in politics at all. While some believe artists and entertainers should remain neutral to preserve their wide appeal, others argue that having a large platform comes with responsibility — and using that platform for awareness and advocacy is not only acceptable but necessary.Taylor Swift, who had famously stayed apolitical for much of her early career, made headlines in recent years for speaking out on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and voter suppression. Her public endorsements of Democratic candidates and her Netflix documentary Miss Americana showcased a more politically engaged version of the artist.Musk, meanwhile, has had a very different trajectory. Known for his provocative tweets and libertarian leanings, he has become a lightning rod for political debate. His criticisms of the Biden administration, the media, and even various regulatory agencies have placed him at the center of tech-and-politics discourse.Both figures — in their own ways — have entered the political arena. But only one, in Kelly’s view, seems to deserve admiration.
The aftermath of Kelly’s comments was loud, chaotic, and polarizing. Some on the right echoed her sentiments, praising Musk and lambasting Swift as emblematic of “Hollywood liberalism.” But the backlash, particularly online, was swift and intense.#BoycottMegynKelly began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with Swifties calling on platforms and advertisers to distance themselves from Kelly’s commentary. TikTok creators dissected her quotes, while fan art and parody songs took jabs at the comparison between Musk and Swift.Memes circulated showing Swift holding a guitar next to Musk holding a flamethrower, with captions like “One spreads love, the other spreads chaos.” Another popular image featured a side-by-side of Swift registering voters at her concert contrasted with Musk tweeting conspiracy theories, asking, “Guess who’s actually doing civic duty?”
In the end, the controversy surrounding Megyn Kelly’s comments reveals more than just celebrity drama. It lays bare the ongoing societal struggles over who gets to speak, who gets to lead, and how we judge the value of political engagement.Elon Musk and Taylor Swift are vastly different individuals with vastly different platforms. Yet both have chosen to step into politics — one from the world of tech and industry, the other from the world of art and emotion. To many, both voices matter. But to Kelly, only one does.Whether that view holds weight in the public conscience or fades into the background of another internet uproar, one thing is certain: the Swifties won’t let it go quietly.
