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White House Calls Taylor Swift TikTok ‘Media Bait’ After Viral Post

The soundtrack choice raises questions about permission, political appropriation, platform rules.

Overview

  • The official White House TikTok on Nov. 3 used Taylor Swift’s No. 1 single “The Fate of Ophelia” over images of U.S. service members, Trump administration figures, and Donald Trump’s 2023 mugshot.
  • The 22‑second clip drew heavy attention on the platform, with reports citing roughly 5 million views and about 600,000 likes within days.
  • A White House spokesperson told outlets including TheWrap and Variety the video was posted to bait news coverage, saying critics had been “played.”
  • Swift’s representatives have not responded to requests for comment, permission for the use remains unclear, and no lawsuit or takedown has been reported.
  • The episode revives Trump’s public attacks on Swift, including “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,” and echoes prior disputes over politicians using artists’ recordings without consent.