Newsom’s New Tactic: Using Taylor Swift’s Lyrics to Jab at Trump
Pop-culture has been used by California Governor Gavin Newsom to fight former President Donald Trump again. The words of Taylor Swift’s new song “Actually Romantic” were used to comment on Trump’s assaults in a recent video by Newsom. Newsom is mixing satire, social media, and culture to make his attacks hit harder and reach deeper.
When Swift’s album arrived, Newsom saw a standout track immediately. He interspersed “Actually Romantic” with photos and videos of his interactions with Trump. “But it’s actually sweet, all the time you’ve spent on me” is set against photos of their interactions and Trump’s social media posts at Newsom. The video portrays Trump’s complaints as obsessive. Newsom juxtaposes Swift’s lyrical language with political struggle to make Trump seem theatrical and self-absorbed.
Newsom has used pop music and politics before to strike a chord. Other Swift songs, memes, caps-lock messages, and fun barbs have mocked Trump’s digital flair in previous clashes. His press office emulates the former president’s all-caps tweets, name-calling, and exaggeration. Critics say this brazen approach undermines etiquette, while advocates say it shows Trump’s bombast with smart comedy.
Behind these performances is a calculated political strategy. Data experts say Newsom’s social media engagement and public visibility have increased since he started doing these pranks. Amplification attracts media attention, younger audiences, and forces opponents to reply on his terms. His team says that humor, pop culture, and irony expose Trump’s base and rhetoric’s absurdities.
Not everyone agrees. Some say the tactic degrades political debate. Others doubt these viral moments can build political power. Newsom appears to be doubling down, hoping that pop-resonant humor may be his most successful tool in a media age where attention is cash.
Only time will tell if the tactic works in polls or influence. The Governor is using music, memes, and messaging to shape the political narrative in addition to policy disputes.
Sources
The Hill
SFGate
