In a bizarre conspiracy theory, right-wing activists and media personalities allege that singer Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end Travis Kelce are part of a secret government scheme to aid Joe Biden’s reelection bid after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl triumph, as reported by Newsweek.
The theory suggests that the NFL fixed the Super Bowl for the Chiefs to win, given Kelce’s association with the team, and that Swift, known for her political views, would use her influence to endorse Biden and sway her fans.
A Monmouth University poll indicates that 32 percent of Republicans believe in this conspiracy, while 57 percent reject it, and 11 percent are unsure. The poll also notes that Republicans familiar with the theory are more likely to believe it, potentially influenced by conservative media outlets that have promoted the narrative.
The origin of the theory is unclear, but figures like former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, Fox News host Jesse Watters, and commentator Candace Owens have spread it. Ramaswamy hinted at a “major presidential endorsement” in the fall, while Watters suggested a “Taylor Swift Psyop Initiative” allegedly combating online misinformation. Owens labeled Swift a “Marxist tool” manipulated by the left.
Swift endorsed Biden in October 2023, expressing her “full support,” while Kelce praised Biden’s coronavirus relief package and urged COVID-19 vaccination.
Despite conspiracy theories targeting celebrities and politicians, the poll suggests that the majority of Republicans are not swayed by baseless claims. Monmouth University Polling Institute’s Patrick Murray commented on the fragility of the political culture, noting that over 4 in 10 Republicans exposed to such wild conspiracy theories believe them, indicating a concerning aspect of the current political landscape.
