JD Vance ignited uproar from a particularly vocal fanbase on the internet this week, as some Taylor Swift fans say the Republican VP nominee might “need to calm down” after a video resurfaced of him slamming childless women who own cats.
“Hell hath no fury like a certain childless cat lady who has yet to endorse a presidential candidate,” one X user posted in response to Vance’s prior comments, which have recirculated after he and Vice President Kamala Harris have emerged as opponents on the 2024 presidential campaign trail.
Resurrected footage, shared Monday by the editor-in-chief of MeidasTouch Network, shows Vance on Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight” in 2021, criticizing multiple Democratic figures as “childless cat ladies” and saying people without children don’t have a “direct stake” in America’s future. Vance made the TV appearance while he was running for the Ohio senate seat he eventually won.
The video had more than 25 million views on X as of Wednesday and Vance’s “childless cat ladies” comments had sparked an uproar from Swiftie fans and beyond.
Swift, who endorsed now-President Joe Biden and Harris back in 2020, has not yet endorsed anyone for president in 2024.
When it hits you that Taylor Swift is childless and has cats… The armageddon is coming for him,” one X user posted Tuesday night.
Another user posted: “Vance attacked childless women who love cats. Taylor Swift would probably like a word. Release the kraken (meowww)
One fan suggested she use his comments “right back at him” if she were to endorse Harris, while another lobbied for Swift-inspired “Democratic fundraising merch.”
Internet users drew the connection between Vance’s comments and Swift because she has three cats and proudly posts about them on social media.
Swift, 34, is not married and does not have children.
Considered one of the most famous people on the planet, Swift is dating Kansas City Chief’s player Travis Kelce. The pop superstar and NFL player took their romance public in October 2023.
Earlier this year, Time Magazine played into Swift’s cat ownership pride when it named her Person of the Year.
Her one request for the 2024 photoshoot: “Can I bring my cat?
USA TODAY has reached out to Swift’s team.