Recent online interactions have raised eyebrows as a prominent technology figure engaged with controversial commentary targeting one of the music industry’s most successful artists.
Elon Musk, who oversees multiple major enterprises including a popular social media platform, has drawn attention for his response to remarks made by Donald Trump regarding singer Taylor Swift.
The former president appears to have maintained a pattern of public commentary about the acclaimed musician that dates back several years. Previous instances include Trump’s 2018 statement that he enjoyed Swift’s music “25 percent less” following her endorsement of Democratic candidates, allegations that she received negative audience reactions at a Kansas City Chiefs game, and commentary regarding her Super Bowl appearance.
In his most recent post on Truth Social dated May 16, Trump wrote: “Has anyone noticed that, since I said ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,’ she’s no longer ‘HOT?'”
This statement was subsequently shared to Twitter by an account named “Autism Capital,” which added commentary noting the former president’s continued focus on the musician. Another user then posted an altered image featuring Swift performing alongside a controversial internet meme character positioned in a manner suggesting physical evaluation of the artist.
Musk responded to this altered image with a laughing emoji, prompting significant backlash from various online communities. Critics on platforms including Reddit characterized the interaction as inappropriate, with one user specifically describing it as “body-shaming.” Others questioned why public figures of such prominence maintain such focused attention on the performer.
Some commentators have speculated about potential motivations behind these interactions, with one suggesting the singer’s comparable financial success might be a factor, noting Swift “is their class peer as a billionaire and they hate it.”
The incident is not the first time Musk has directed public comments toward Swift. During the recent presidential campaign, after Swift formally endorsed Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, explaining her decision came partly in response to AI-generated false endorsements, Musk responded with an unusual statement: “Fine Taylor… you win… I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life.”
This remark appeared to reference Swift’s signature on her endorsement post as “childless cat lady,” which itself addressed controversial comments made by JD Vance about Democratic politicians.
In another incident, following accusations that Musk had performed an inappropriate gesture at a political event, the executive shared comparative images juxtaposing historical footage of Adolf Hitler with an image of Swift with her arm raised. Reddit users subsequently posted video evidence showing the performer was actually blowing a kiss to audience members during a 2014 performance.
These recurring interactions have prompted questions about the nature of public discourse when influential figures in technology and politics direct repeated commentary toward entertainment personalities.