Aug 31
Charlie Kirk Goes On Sexist Tirade over Taylor Swift’s Engagement, Urges Pop Star to “Submit” and Reject Feminism
READ TIME: 4 MIN.
Taylor Swift’s engagement to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has captured headlines worldwide—but among the many congratulatory messages, one stood out for its overtly sexist and political tone. Conservative commentator and MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk used his Real America’s Voice show to turn Swift’s personal milestone into a platform for attacking feminism and progressive values, sparking swift condemnation from LGBTQ+ communities and women’s rights advocates .
On his podcast and syndicated talk show, Kirk congratulated Swift but quickly pivoted to criticize her advocacy for progressive causes and autonomy. “I think there’s actually something here that we should all celebrate,” Kirk said, referencing the engagement as a possible catalyst for Swift’s supposed political transformation. He asserted, “How often do we on this program talk about the three M’s make you a better citizen and more conservative, which of course is mortgage, marriage, and mating.” He continued, “This is something that I hope will make Taylor Swift more conservative. Engage in reality more… Reject feminism. Submit to your husband, Taylor. You’re not in charge” .
Kirk argued that Swift’s political activism and “annoying liberalism” could be explained by her not being married or having children, adding, “Marriage and motherhood could ‘de-radicalize’ the 34-year-old singer-songwriter.” He expressed hope that Swift would “have a ton of children,” framing her potential family life as a corrective to what he called her “left-leaning activism” .
Throughout her career, Taylor Swift has become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and democratic values, publicly supporting the Equality Act, speaking out against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and using her platform to mobilize young voters . Swift’s support for progressive causes has made her a target for right-wing commentators, including Kirk, who has previously attacked her for endorsing Joe Biden and supporting LGBTQ+ equality .
Kirk’s recent diatribe did not stop at marital advice; he also claimed that Swift had not been a “great role model for young women” by prioritizing her career and getting engaged in her mid-thirties, further stating, “There’s a great chance to change that. It’s a great chance for Taylor Swift now to get married and have a ton of children. If she ends up having children, she’ll stop this kind of liberal endorsing Joe Biden nonsense. We want Taylor Swift on Team America. We want you to leave the island of the wokies” .
He concluded his remarks with an ultimatum: “Reject feminism, submit to your husband, Taylor—you’re not in charge. If she doesn’t change her name to Taylor Kelce, ‘you don’t really mean it’” .
Kirk’s comments have been widely condemned as sexist, retrograde, and emblematic of a broader pattern of attacks on women’s empowerment and LGBTQ+ inclusion. LGBTQ+ advocates quickly pointed out that Swift’s advocacy has provided hope and visibility for queer communities, especially for young LGBTQ+ people navigating hostile social or political landscapes . Commentators argue that attempts to police women’s choices—or suggest that marriage and motherhood should be tools for “de-radicalization”—are antithetical to principles of equality and self-determination .
“This is a textbook example of patriarchal thinking—insisting that a woman’s value or worldview should be determined by her marital status or willingness to ‘submit’ to a man,” said a spokesperson for the National Organization for Women. “It is particularly concerning to see this kind of rhetoric directed at a woman who has used her platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights and progressive causes.”
Charlie Kirk’s latest outburst fits into a longer pattern of public statements targeting LGBTQ+ people and women’s rights. In previous broadcasts, Kirk has called transgender people “an abomination” and described transgender identities as “against our senses."
Earlier this month, Kirk sparked additional outrage by accusing Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) of trying to “eliminate the white population” after she criticized Texas Republicans for redistricting plans that would reduce Black voting power—a claim widely denounced as racist and unfounded .
Swift’s engagement remains a personal milestone, but the cultural reaction—and Kirk’s politicization—reveal the high stakes of visibility and advocacy for public figures, especially women and LGBTQ+ allies. Swift’s outspokenness on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and racial justice has made her both a role model for marginalized communities and a frequent target for conservative commentators seeking to roll back social progress .
While neither Swift nor Kelce has publicly responded to Kirk’s remarks, supporters have rallied online to defend Swift’s independence and affirm her commitment to inclusive values, using hashtags such as #TeamTaylor and #SwiftiesForEquality on social media platforms, and reiterating the importance of public figures who champion LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality .
Kirk’s tirade underscores ongoing tensions in American culture over women’s autonomy, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the politicization of celebrity. As Swift’s engagement continues to generate headlines, the backlash against Kirk’s remarks serves as a reminder that progress toward equality remains fiercely contested—and that public figures who use their influence to advocate for marginalized communities play a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape .