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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Clémence Michallon

Taylor Swift says Donald Trump creating atmosphere of 'gaslighting the American public'

Taylor Swift performs on ABC's Good Morning America on 22 August, 2019 in New York City. ( Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for ABA )

Taylor Swift has spoken out on Donald Trump‘s America, saying the public has been “gaslighted” by the president’s politics.

The singer spoke to The Guardian in an interview marking the release of her album Lover, out Friday.

Swift, a native of Pennsylvania, described the current political landscape as “gaslighting the American public into being like, ‘If you hate the president, you hate America’”.

The star has started discussing politics relatively recently, after years of not discussing her opinions publicly.

She explained in the interview that she didn’t feel comfortable broaching politics at that time due to personal challenges, and that she stayed discreet in order to protect her mental health.

Things have changed for the pop star, who has grown significantly more outspoken. Referring specifically to Mr Trump’s presidency, she told the newspaper: “We’re a democracy – at least, we’re supposed to be – where you’re allowed to disagree, dissent, debate.

“I really think that he thinks this is an autocracy.”

Swift also clarified her stance on abortion rights, describing herself as pro-choice.

Lover, Swift’s seventh studio album, is out now. Click here to read our review and browse our ranking of Swift’s 100 best songs here.

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