Lena Dunham Defends Taylor Swift’s Silence on President Trump

Taylor Swift was notably silent during the contentious 2016 presidential election, posting only once to encourage her fans to “Go out and VOTE.” Some suggested the post was a subtle nod to Hillary Clinton, but Swift faced criticism for staying silent about then-candidate Donald Trump, especially as a woman who has branded herself as a feminist. In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Swift’s friend Lena Dunham defended the singer’s silence.

“I just think everyone has to do it their way,” Dunham said. “When I was lesser known, I was like, ‘Who could not share their opinion?’ Then I found out that when you talk about politics, people straight up tweet you the floor plan of your house and say they’re coming.” Swift has dealt with a handful of stalkers over the years.

Dunham continued: “She’s been in the public eye since she was 15. I felt young when my career started and I was 23, 24. When I met her, she was newly 22, and she was a f—king seasoned pro at this stuff. Watching the way that she understands the vicissitudes of the cycle, and she just keeps making her work— that’s just really impressive to me. That’s how I hope to live my life, which is not as a slave to public opinion, but just as somebody who continues to make things. She’s truly just an artist who has to make things to survive. I guess that’s what we have most in common.”

[Rolling Stone]