Former FBI Director James Comey says he copes with Trump by turning to Taylor Swift
Former FBI Director James Comey revealed in a recent video posted on Substack that he has adopted a new way to cope with the ongoing tensions with President Donald Trump: listening to Taylor Swift and trying to follow her approach to handling public scrutiny.
Comey describes himself as a Swiftie and says he’s found Swift’s softer stance toward online criticism more appealing than some other political tactics. He contrasted Swift’s behavior with what he sees from some Democrats, suggesting that Swift’s method of handling critics is a model for staying centered.
In the video, he cites Swift’s appearance on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, noting a line about not letting internet trolls control your mind and thinking of your energy as something precious. He says Swift’s philosophy helped him frame how to respond to public jabs.
During the discussion, Comey claimed, somewhat ambiguously, that he and Swift “go way back,” though there’s no clear evidence they have ever met. He also shared personal touches, saying he attended his first Swift concert about 15 years ago and that he’s financially helped family members attend her shows. He even mentions being part of a Swiftie group chat and knowing all of Swift’s music, with a particular fondness for songs like All Too Well and Exile.
Comey adds that Swift taught him to “show grace” and to stand up to bullies without letting their meanness change who you are. He also referenced Swift’s broader impact, praising her ability to maintain boundaries with criticism while avoiding becoming “mean” in return.
The broader political backdrop includes Trump’s past attacks on Swift, including remarks in which he labeled her as “no longer hot” and contrasted her with other conservatives’ favorites. Comey reflected on the risk of public discourse turning mean and suggested there are more decent, honest, and kind people in America than the “mean jerks” who dominate headlines.
The piece also touches on Swift’s political endorsements, noting she supported Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024, while Trump has repeatedly criticized her. Comey’s own past remains controversial: he was fired by Trump in 2017, a move that helped catalyze investigations and political fallout, including the Mueller inquiry.
Contextual episodes from Comey’s recent history are mentioned as well. For instance, a May Instagram post featuring seashells arranged to display the number “8647” drew criticism and was interpreted by some as a coded message against Trump; Comey said it was not his intent and later deleted the post. Earlier, his daughter Maurene came under scrutiny when she was fired from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office during the Trump administration.
As with many high-profile figures in high-stakes politics, Comey is described as being under investigation by the Justice Department, a claim that has circulated in media reports.
Overall, the retraced narrative paints Comey as someone who seeks resilience through cultural touchstones, using Swift’s messages of grace and self-possession to weather political storms. The story hints at the growing intersection between pop culture and public-figure discourse, where personal coping strategies and celebrity influence intersect with national politics. A positive takeaway is the emphasis on maintaining civility and focusing on constructive responses amid a polarized environment.
Summary: James Comey says he uses Taylor Swift’s philosophy and music as a coping mechanism in dealing with tensions with Donald Trump, highlighting Swift’s emphasis on grace and resilience. The piece also situates Comey within recent political and legal contexts, including past tensions with Trump, a controversial social media episode, and ongoing DOJ scrutiny, while noting Swift’s political endorsements and public actions. Positive spin: it underscores a constructive approach to handling public strife and encourages civility and grace in the face of hostility.
Commentary: This rewrite emphasizes a neutral, fact-based portrayal while connecting cultural influence to political commentary. It can help readers understand how prominent figures draw on popular culture to navigate polarized environments, and it raises awareness of the ongoing public and legal dynamics surrounding Comey and Trump.