Taylor Swift Calls Out the White House in VMAs Speech
*Checks watch sassily*

Taylor Swift just won her second award at tonight's Video Music Awards, taking home the Moon Man for "You Need to Calm Down" in the Video of the Year category. In her acceptance speech, she thanked her collaborators, many of whom shared the stage with her, as well as the fans who voted for her. The fact that this was a fan-voted award was especially meaningful, Swift explained, because it meant they liked the video, which contained several important points, all of which underlined the message of equality.
"At the end of the 'You Need to Calm Down' music video, there is a petition for the Equality Act which basically says we all deserve equal rights," Swift told the cheering crowd. "It now has half a million signatures which is five times the amount needed to get the White House to respond!" She then pretended to check her invisible watch, tapping it for effect, which caused the crowd to erupt in cheers and laughter. Twitter also exploded after she dropped the line, with fans absolutely shocked and excited that the singer called out President Trump in her speech.
Taylor Swift: We received half a million signatures. That’s 5x the amount of signatures required for a response from the White House.Taylor Swift: #VMAs @taylorswift13 pic.twitter.com/vHMLYyLNotAugust 27, 2019
@taylorswift13 mentioned the white house THE ORANGE IN THE WHITE IS GONNA FLIP!#VMAs pic.twitter.com/heJZJC2uAkAugust 27, 2019
I’m glad to live in a world where @taylorswift13 send a DM to the @WhiteHouse live on tv #vmas pic.twitter.com/YPpxYpxt6IAugust 27, 2019
Taylor Swift waiting for a response from the White House like.... #vmas #videomusicawards @taylorswift13 pic.twitter.com/Zr3DEMtICTAugust 27, 2019
"While we have so much to celebrate, we also have a great distance to go before everyone in this country is truly treated equally," Swift wrote in the change.org petition. "In excellent recent news, the House has passed the Equality Act, which would protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in their places of work, homes, schools, and other public accommodations. The next step is that the bill will go before the Senate." Here's hoping this VMAs moment helps further the cause.
Watch Taylor's full "You Need to Calm Down" video here:
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Clairenewsletter.
RELATED STORY
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Dedicated to women of power, purpose, and style, Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. Reaching millions of women every month, Marie Claire is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Why Duchess Sophie Allegedly Feels "Snubbed" by King Charles
"There should be an opportunity for Sophie to be allowed to do more," a royal expert claimed.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Dua Lipa Swaps Her Valentino Dress for a Marni Mini Skirt
The singer accessorized her outfits with more than $120,000 of jewelry.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Harry Was Allegedly Crushed When William Received "Special Treatment"
"Poor Harry's face across the table," Princess Diana's former butler recalled.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
In 'Opus,' Cult Leaders and Pop Stars Are One in the Same
The A24 film's costume and production designers open up about crafting fictional pop icon Moretti’s style and mysterious estate.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The Melancholic Sound of Success
The artist known as Japanese Breakfast opens up about finding her sound on a new album after experiencing whirlwind success.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
LISA, Doja Cat, and Raye Perform a Glamorous 'James Bond' Tribute at the 2025 Oscars
The Academy Awards are for the pop girls, actually.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Aly & AJ Share What Music Shaped Them—And What's on Their Playlist Now
With their new album 'Silver Deliverer' coming soon, the sister act opens up about their musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Beyoncé Wins Album of the Year for the First Time Ever at the 2025 Grammys
The superstar—who has the most wins in the award show's history—took home the biggest prize of the night for 'Cowboy Carter.'
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Chappell Roan Wins Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys—And Called Upon Record Labels to Enact Artist Healthcare Reform
The Midwest Princess made a powerful speech while accepting the award for Best New Artist.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Beyoncé Wins Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys
The superstar is the first Black woman to ever win the honor.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Doechii Wins Best Rap Album at the Grammys and Dedicates the Award to Black Women: "You're Exactly Who You Need to Be"
"The Swamp Princess" is the third female rapper to take home the gramophone.
By Quinci LeGardye Published