On May 16, 2025, former President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to make a disparaging comment about pop star Taylor Swift. He wrote, “Has anyone noticed that, since I said ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,’ she’s no longer ‘HOT?'” This remark was widely interpreted as body-shaming and drew significant criticism from the public and media alike.
Elon Musk’s Reaction Sparks Backlash
Following Trump’s post, a Twitter account named Autism Capital shared a screenshot of the comment, highlighting its inappropriate nature. Another user posted a manipulated image of Swift performing on stage, accompanied by a meme of ‘Pepe the Frog’ holding a ruler near her. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X (formerly Twitter), responded to this post with a laughing emoji. This reaction was perceived by many as endorsing the body-shaming sentiment, leading to widespread condemnation. Public and Online Community Respond Musk’s response did not go unnoticed. Social media platforms were flooded with criticisms of his behavior. One Reddit user accused Musk of body-shaming Swift, while another questioned the ongoing obsession both Trump and Musk seem to have with the singer. Comments ranged from calling Musk’s behavior “disgusting” to speculating on the reasons behind their fixation on Swift, suggesting it might stem from her success and influence.
History of Musk’s Inappropriate Comments Towards Swift
This incident is not the first time Musk has made unsettling comments about Taylor Swift. In September 2024, after Swift endorsed Kamala Harris for the presidential election, Musk tweeted, “Fine Taylor … you win … I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life.” This remark was widely criticized as inappropriate and misogynistic. Musk’s own daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, condemned the tweet, labeling it as “heinous incel nonsense” and expressing her support for Swift’s political stance.
Trump’s Controversial Comments on Taylor Swift
On May 16, 2025, former President Donald Trump posted a controversial message on his platform, Truth Social. He wrote, “Has anyone noticed that, since I said ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,’ she’s no longer ‘HOT?’” The post was widely interpreted as body-shaming, with many viewing it as another example of Trump targeting women based on their appearance. Swift, who has been openly critical of Trump in the past, did not immediately respond, but fans and public figures quickly came to her defense.
Elon Musk’s Reaction Sparks Immediate Backlash
Soon after Trump’s remarks surfaced, a meme that altered an image of Taylor Swift performing — with a cartoon frog holding a ruler pointed at her — was posted on X (formerly Twitter). Elon Musk, who owns the platform, responded with a laughing emoji. Though brief, his reply triggered immediate backlash. Critics argued that Musk was not only endorsing the offensive meme but also contributing to the normalization of body-shaming. For many, his emoji wasn’t harmless humor — it was harmful silence or complicity.
Global Backlash and Cultural Impact
Musk’s comments have not only sparked outrage in the United States but also internationally. In China, Swift’s fanbase, known as “Swifties,” expressed their disapproval on social media platforms like Weibo. A hashtag discussing Musk’s comments trended with over 15 million views, with users criticizing his lack of respect for women and calling his remarks “ridiculous.” The incident highlights the global influence of both Musk and Swift, as well as the widespread condemnation of misogynistic behavior.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s response to a post body-shaming Taylor Swift has reignited discussions about the treatment of women in the public eye and the responsibility of influential figures to uphold respectful discourse. The backlash from fans, social media users, and even Musk’s own family underscores the importance of accountability and the impact of words, especially when amplified by individuals with significant platforms.
