According to a recent poll conducted by Monmouth University in New Jersey, a surprising 18% of Americans believe in a baseless conspiracy theory involving singer Taylor Swift and a secret federal effort to ensure President Joe Biden's re-election in 2024. This alarming finding sheds light on the influence of unfounded rumors that have been circulated by members of the alt-right for months.

The conspiracy theory originated from claims by the alt-right that Swift, through her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who has won two consecutive Super Bowl titles, was attempting to control American politics through the NFL. Furthermore, conservatives speculated that the relationship itself was fabricated by the government for political purposes.

Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy recently tweeted about the alleged conspiracy, fueling further speculation. Ramaswamy posed questions about the Super Bowl and hinted at a major presidential endorsement coming from Swift and Kelce.

The poll conducted by Monmouth University delved into the demographics of those who believe in this theory. It revealed that 71% of the respondents who believed in this baseless theory identified as or leaned toward the GOP, and a staggering 83% indicated their likely support for former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November election. Furthermore, an overwhelming 73% of those who believed in the Swift conspiracy also doubted the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election outcome.

A notable observation from the study was that 42% of those who indicated belief in the theory had not even heard of it prior to being contacted by the university. This suggests that the conspiracy theory has gained ground among Trump supporters even without widespread awareness or visibility.

Patrick Murray, the director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, remarked on the significance of these findings. He stated, "The supposed Taylor Swift PsyOp conspiracy has legs among a decent number of Trump supporters. Even many who hadn't heard about it before we polled them accept the idea as credible. Welcome to the 2024 election."

While it is concerning that a substantial portion of the population believes in such baseless claims, it serves as a reminder of the power of misinformation and its impact on public perception. The prevalence of conspiracy theories in today's political landscape highlights the need for critical thinking and media literacy to distinguish fact from fiction.

As the 2024 election approaches, it is crucial to address and debunk such unfounded theories to ensure a well-informed electorate.