Former FBI Director James Comey has sparked headlines once again, this time by drawing inspiration from pop icon Taylor Swift’s advice to deal with critics, including former President Donald Trump. In a video shared on his Substack on Sunday, Comey expressed his admiration for Swift’s approach to negativity and her ability to focus on what truly matters.
Comey on Taylor Swift’s Advice
Comey shared that he listens to Taylor Swift’s music and tries to emulate her calm and positive demeanor when responding to public and political attacks. Referring to Swift’s recent appearance on the popular podcast “New Heights,” co-hosted by NFL player Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce, Comey highlighted a particular piece of wisdom from the singer.
“While our elderly makeup-covered president is posting about whether Taylor Swift is still hot and declaring that he can’t stand her, what’s she doing?” Comey remarked. “Living her best life, producing great music, and as she urged all of us to do during the podcast, not giving the jerks power over her mind.”
Swift’s appearance on the podcast included advice that has since gone viral: “Think of your energy as if it’s expensive, as if it’s a luxury item. Not everyone can afford it.” The advice resonated with Comey, who mentioned in his video that it’s a useful mental framework for dealing with numerous “internet trolls.”
Trump’s Feud with Taylor Swift
Trump’s attacks on Swift are nothing new. Earlier this month, the former president criticized Swift in one of his social media posts, claiming she was “No Longer Hot” and comparing her to actress Sydney Sweeney. These comments stem from a longstanding feud, heightening since Swift publicly endorsed Trump’s political rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, in the 2024 Presidential Election.
In response to Trump’s comments, Comey has also openly supported Harris’s candidacy, reminding his audience that he first encouraged voters to support Democrats during the 2018 midterms. This shift marked a significant departure from Comey’s past affiliation as a lifelong Republican, a stance he said changed during Trump’s presidency.
Comey Faces Backlash
Despite Comey’s public embrace of Swift’s words, the former FBI Director has faced scrutiny himself. Back in May, he sparked controversy by posting a cryptic image on Instagram showing an arrangement of shells forming the phrase “86 47.” This imagery, some critics argue, is a veiled reference to anti-Trump rhetoric, given that “86” is slang for “to kill,” while “47” refers to Trump being the 47th president. Although Comey brushed the incident off as a coincidence, it has not deterred speculation about his intentions.
Adding to Comey’s challenges, his daughter Maureen Comey was recently dismissed as a prosecutor in the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office. This move, announced by Trump ally and Attorney General Pam Bondi, has further complicated Comey’s public image.
Taylor Swift’s Huge Year
Swift, on the other hand, continues to dominate headlines and the music industry alike. During her “New Heights” podcast interview, she announced her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release on October 3. Fans eagerly await what will be her 12th record, further cementing her as one of the most influential artists of her generation.
The podcast appearance also revealed glimpses of her personal life, including anecdotes from her ongoing relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce. The pair’s connection has drawn widespread public attention, ensuring Swift’s presence continues to extend well beyond the music scene.
As Swift’s star continues to rise, Comey’s adoption of her wisdom underscores the ever-growing influence of pop culture on politics. Whether it’s through music, political endorsements, or life advice, the “Anti-Hero” singer proves her impact knows no bounds.