James Comey reveals he draws inspiration from Taylor Swift to cope with Trump amid ongoing feud

WASHINGTON, DC: Former FBI Director James Comey has turned to an unlikely source for inspiration in dealing with Donald Trump — pop superstar Taylor Swift. In a video posted to his Substack, Comey revealed that embracing Swift’s mindset has become his new strategy for coping with the president’s attacks.

A self-proclaimed “Swiftie,” Comey praised Swift’s calm and empowering approach to criticism, contrasting it with the more aggressive tactics often seen in political circles. He highlighted her refusal to let “jerks” have power over her mind, a philosophy he says has helped him maintain grace in the face of hostility.

James Comey contrasts Taylor Swift with Donald Trump

In the video shared on Sunday, August 17, James Comey asked, "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?"

"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," he said, referencing Swift’s recent appearance on Jason and Travis Kelce's 'New Heights' podcast. 

Comey further shared that Swift’s advice about handling internet trolls stuck with him. “She said something about dealing with internet trolls that stuck with me — think of your energy as if it’s expensive,” the former FBI director said. He also joked that he and the 'Lover' singer “go way back,” but admitted it’s unclear whether she even knows who he is.

James Comey on his admiration for Taylor Swift

James Comey opened up about being a longtime Taylor Swift fan, proudly calling himself a "Swiftie." He shared, I went to my first concert of hers 15 years ago. And I have helped financially support the attendance of a lot of family members and others."

"I’m in a family Swiftie group chat. I know all her music,” he said. Among his favorite tracks? A tie between 'All Too Well' and 'Exile'.

Reflecting on the pop star's influence, Comey spoke about his personal struggle, "I struggle with how to stand up to bullies without letting their meanness infect me and change me."

He added, "You may have seen that the governor of California has been generating a lot of attention lately by posting on social media in a satirical way, where he mocks Donald Trump and his all-caps, megalomania, and his absurdity," before admitting, "I find it very funny, hilarious, even sometimes. But I gotta be honest, it also leaves me with a strange feeling at times, because I don’t want us to become like Trump and his followers."

 "There are far more decent, honest, kind people in America than there are mean jerks," he emphasized.

Comey also recounted a moment from a Swift concert in Hartford, "At my second Taylor Swift concert in Hartford, Connecticut, 14 years ago this summer, she sang a song about this topic, asking why you got to be so mean."

"She spoke directly to the nasty people, 'I bet you got pushed around. Somebody made you cold, but the cycle ends right now,'" he said, before concluding, "Nobody should have power over us. Thank you, Taylor Swift."

What happened between James Comey and Donald Trump?

James Comey, who was dismissed by Donald Trump as FBI director in 2017, a move that triggered the Mueller investigation, has remained one of the president’s most outspoken critics.

In May, Comey drew controversy after posting a photo on Instagram showing seashells arranged to spell "8647" on a beach. The number "86" is commonly interpreted as slang for eliminating something, while "47" refers to Trump being the 47th president.

The post sparked backlash, with some interpreting it as a veiled threat, leading to a Secret Service investigation. Comey later deleted the post and denied any harmful intent.

The tension between Comey and Trump continued when, just last month, his daughter, Maurene Comey, was dismissed from the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office by the Trump administration.

Moreover, Comey himself is reportedly under investigation by the Department of Justice.

Internet ridicules James Comey after he says Taylor Swift became his inspiration

James Comey's recent revelation that he finds solace in Taylor Swift’s music while navigating his ongoing feud with Donald Trump quickly went viral, and not in a flattering way. Social media users were quick to ridicule the former FBI director, with many questioning his mental state and motives.

One commenter mocked, "So strange and unnecessary. Probably somewhat self-sabotaging given what he is alleged to have done."

“I suppose somebody needs to say this about Comey: there is something seriously wrong with that man,” another declared, while someone else wrote, “How pathetic it must be for a disgruntled former head of the FBI to have to try to gain strength from listening to Taylor Swift."

An individual remarked, "Comey's pretty much defining what 'cringeworthy video' means."

Critics also accused Comey of using Swift to manipulate public opinion, with one writing, "Trying to get the country on his side by evoking TS. He keeps sinking deeper and deeper."

Another offered a harsh dose of reality: "This is just pitiful. He's a grown man, financially secure for life, and privileged to have a family to spend time with. Dude, stop embarrassing yourself on social media! Put politics behind you and get a hobby or go do some volunteer work or find some worthwhile way to spend your time."

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