Full Breakdown
Taylor Swift Blocks Trump Campaign’s Use of Her Music on TikTok
8/9/2026, 8:40:33 PM
Core Event: Copyright Claims Silence Swift Tracks on Trump-Affiliated TikTok Posts
On August 3, the @TeamTrump TikTok account posted a video of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watching fireworks, sound-tracked with Taylor Swift’s 2020 Folklore song “August.” By August 7, the audio had been removed, and the U.S. The same copyright restriction later appeared on two older Trump-affiliated videos that used Swift’s “Father Figure” (posted November 6 2025) and “Opalite” (date not specified). A White House TikTok video from November 2025 that featured Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” remains sound-tracked, indicating a selective removal process.
Background & Context
The dispute revives a feud that intensified after Swift endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. During that campaign Swift posted, “I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.” Trump responded on Truth Social with the repeated refrain “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” and later mocked her popularity, asking whether she was still “HOT.”
Data & Statistics
- Songs removed from Trump-affiliated TikTok posts: “August,” “Father Figure,” “Opalite.”
- Cruel Summer and The Eras Tour audio are now unavailable on those accounts.
- Two videos that used Swift’s “Red” (a parody version) retained audio at the time of reporting, while a White House post from July 4 that mocked Swift’s wedding used “The Fate of Ophelia” with sound intact.
Official Statements & Responses
The spokesperson did not comment on the copyright removals. Neither the White House nor a Swift representative responded to requests for comment on the recent takedowns.
Criticism & Opposition
Dozens of artists have publicly objected to the Trump administration’s use of their music without permission. Katy Perry called the use of her 2010 anthem “Firework” in a July 23 video of U.S. Sabrina Carpenter described a 2025 immigration-raid video that used her song as “evil and disgusting.” Olivia Rodrigo, Kesha, Noah Kahan and other musicians have issued similar condemnations, arguing that their work is being weaponized for political propaganda.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total number of Swift songs removed. Reuters and CBC note two songs used over the past week, while TheNationalNews cites ten distinct tracks blocked on Trump-related accounts. Additionally, some outlets report that the parody “Red” video still carries audio, whereas others state the sound was removed alongside “August.” No official explanation has been provided for these inconsistencies, and Swift herself has not issued a public comment beyond her earlier 2024 endorsement of Harris.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them,” — Taylor Swift, the US president
- “Well, I wish them a lot of luck,” — Donald Trump, president
- “Has anyone noticed that, since I said ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,’ she’s no longer ‘HOT?’” — Kamala Harris, then-vice president
- “I’m sure Taylor Swift knows nothing, and doesn’t know anything about [Blackburn],” — Donald Trump, president
What’s Next
A scheduled July 31 TikTok post will feature Noah Kahan’s music after the artist condemned the Trump team’s use of his song, illustrating the campaign’s ongoing response to artist criticism. No further official actions from Swift’s camp have been announced.
