Former FBI Director James Comey revealed in a video that he is a Swiftie, a devoted fan of Taylor Swift. He shared that Swift has offered him guidance on handling bullies and difficult situations. He also joked about a family “Swiftie” group chat and revealed that he has attended two Taylor Swift concerts, even helping some relatives get tickets.
“I’m in a family’s Swiftie group chat. I know all her music and I listen to it in my headphones when I cut the grass,” Comey said.
His personal favorites are the 10-minute ‘All Too Well’ and ‘Exile’ featuring Bon Iver.
NEW: Former FBI Director and 'Swiftie' James Comey releases a 5-minute video talking about how Taylor Swift inspires him and how she helps him deal with Trump.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 17, 2025
"At my second Taylor Swift concert in Hartford, CT, 14 years ago, she sang a song about this topic, asking..."
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Swift Provides a Family Soundtrack
Comey described how Taylor Swift’s music has been a soundtrack for his family. “Taylor Swift has grown up with my family and provided us a soundtrack, really, as we've grown ourselves and learned and adapted and dealt with adversity and celebration,” he said. He added that millions of other families likely feel the same way.
He also noted that at every stage of Swift’s career, her music has resonated with young audiences. “This felt right to me as a parent,” Comey said, adding that she continues to inspire people as an adult artist.
Fighting Bullies Without Becoming Like Them
Comey explained that Swift’s example helped him stand up to bullies without adopting their behavior. “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,” he said. He emphasized that “there are far more decent, honest, kind people in America than there are mean jerks.”
He continued, “I am not an advocate for weakness. Of course, we need to stand up to jerks and defend what matters, but I think we have to try to do that without becoming like them, which is what makes me think about Taylor Swift."
Comey praised Swift for speaking openly about Donald Trump. “She's made clear that she sees Donald Trump for what he is. Last year, she urged Americans not to make the serious mistake of electing him,” he said.
Swift’s Advice on Personal Energy
Comey also highlighted Swift’s philosophy on protecting personal energy. He referenced research showing that rudeness reduces happiness. “We can't stop people from being jerks. What we can do is stop it from hurting us, from changing us,” he said.
He cited Swift’s lyrics from the song ‘Mean’, recalling his second Swift concert in Hartford, Connecticut, 14 years ago. “I bet you got pushed around. Somebody made you cold. But the cycle ends right now, because you can’t leave me down that road,” Comey recited. “You’ll be glad I didn’t sing that. That’s right, because down that road of unhappiness, nobody should have that power over us.”
Through her music, Taylor Swift has offered Comey lessons on resilience, kindness, and personal strength. He credits her for helping him navigate challenges without giving bullies power over his mind or his family.