Taylor Swift should know that friendships crossing political lines never work
The Independent|September 10, 2024
The singer has sparked controversy for being besties with the Trump-approving Brittany Mahomes. Katie Rosseinsky suggests this is one relationship that’s doomed to fail
Katie Rosseinsky
Taylor Swift should know that friendships crossing political lines never work

Taylor Swift’s most divisive move yet? Hugging a rumoured Republican. Over the weekend, the singer was photographed embracing her pal Brittany Mahomes, who’s thought to be a Trump supporter. Cue the eternal question: is it possible to be friends with someone on the opposite side of the political spectrum? Is it even ethical? And can such a friendship ever have real staying power?

Mahomes, in case you’re not up to date with the intricacies of Swift’s sprawling friendship group, is the wife of Patrick Mahomes, who plays American football for the Kansas City Chiefs alongside the singer’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce. She was spotted attending various matches alongside Swift during the last football season, and even flew out to Amsterdam to enjoy one of her gigs; the singer shared photos of the two couples’ Euro trip slash extended double date.

But last month, Mahomes was met with backlash when she liked an Instagram post shared by Donald Trump, in which the former president laid out the Republican party’s 2024 election platform (policies included “keep men OUT of women’s sports” in reference to the transgender debate, and “cut federal funding for any school pushing Critical Race Theory, Radical Gender Ideology, and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content on our children”).

This story is from the September 10, 2024 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 10, 2024 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView All
Eubank Jr may still land the fight that everybody wants
The Independent

Eubank Jr may still land the fight that everybody wants

A career spent in one of boxing’s heaviest shadows could be defined by a blockbuster bout with rival Conor Benn in 2025

time-read
3 mins  |
October 08, 2024
English clubs must rise to challenge of tight schedules
The Independent

English clubs must rise to challenge of tight schedules

Arsenal, Chelsea and City must battle on multiple fronts

time-read
4 mins  |
October 08, 2024
Ineos disruptors may decide to end Ten Hag's torment
The Independent

Ineos disruptors may decide to end Ten Hag's torment

United manager’s future is in the balance at today’s meeting

time-read
3 mins  |
October 08, 2024
One-nil to City? Club lands blow on league in legal fight
The Independent

One-nil to City? Club lands blow on league in legal fight

Tribunal finds some rules to be in breach of competition law but panel backs broad principles around financial fair play

time-read
3 mins  |
October 08, 2024
Madrid mulls earlier dinner hours to cater for tourists
The Independent

Madrid mulls earlier dinner hours to cater for tourists

The populist politician Isabel Diaz Ayuso wants to draw more visitors to the city by opening restaurants earlier. But locals may not find the change so appetising, writes Graham Keeley

time-read
3 mins  |
October 08, 2024
I have been changed by the shocking number of bodies
The Independent

I have been changed by the shocking number of bodies

A paramedic in Gaza reveals the terrible toll that trying to save lives in a warzone has taken on him and his colleagues

time-read
2 mins  |
October 08, 2024
'We don't even have gloves'
The Independent

'We don't even have gloves'

NHS medics in Gaza tell Bel Trew about the severe lack of supplies in a health system that has practically collapsed’

time-read
4 mins  |
October 08, 2024
Families of hostages protest outside Netanyahu's home
The Independent

Families of hostages protest outside Netanyahu's home

A year after the Hamas attacks, relatives of those held in Gaza continue their vigil, reports Bel Trew from Jerusalem ane

time-read
5 mins  |
October 08, 2024
Gen Z mortgage payments double those of older buyers
The Independent

Gen Z mortgage payments double those of older buyers

High interest rates and rising house prices mean Generation Z are facing mortgage payments twice as high as the generations before them, new analysis has shown.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 08, 2024
Former Met Police officer Carrick charged with rape
The Independent

Former Met Police officer Carrick charged with rape

Former Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick is facing charges of sex offences against two women, including rape and sexual assault.

time-read
1 min  |
October 08, 2024