Hakeem Jeffries Uses Taylor Swift Reference to Critique Donald Trump

During a compelling primetime speech, Hakeem Jeffries likened former President Donald Trump to a persistent ex-boyfriend who refuses to move on, using a Taylor Swift reference to drive his point home.

Jeffries drew a vivid metaphor, stating, “Donald Trump is like an old boyfriend who you broke up with, but he just won't go away. Bro, we broke up with you for a reason. We are never, ever getting back together.” This playful yet pointed comparison drew on Swift's popular lyrics to underscore his message about moving forward from Trump’s influence.

The reference to Taylor Swift resonated with many Democrats, especially given Swift's past endorsements of Democratic causes and candidates. Jeffries’ use of this cultural touchstone served to both engage his audience and amplify his critique of Trump.

In addition to his remarks about Trump, Jeffries took the opportunity to commend President Joe Biden for his leadership transition, praising Biden for “selflessly passing the torch” to Vice President Kamala Harris. Jeffries himself experienced a similar transition, stepping into leadership after former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s retirement in 2022.

With his dynamic speech, Jeffries not only highlighted the contrast between current and former leadership but also tapped into popular culture to strengthen his message, hoping to capture the attention of both political supporters and broader audiences.