After years of secrecy, Taylor Swift broke her political silence recently when she endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen and Democratic Congressman Jim Cooper.

She praised the two candidates from her home state, Tennessee, in a lengthy Instagram post. She said, “In the past I’ve been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions. I feel very differently about that now. I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country. I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is wrong. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color, is terrifying, sickening and prevalent.”

Later in the post, Taylor Swift slammed Republican Representative Marsha Blackburn, saying, “… her voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me.”

In the past, Taylor Swift has kept her political views to herself. Six years ago, Taylor Swift said to Time Magazine that the reason she does not use her social media to post about her political views is because “it might influence other people.” Although she has urged her fans to become active voters in their community, she has never revealed who she personally supported before this controversial Instagram post.

Taylor Swift’s post drew much praise from her loyal fans who were excited that she had finally revealed her political views. Even Bredesen himself thank the pop star, tweeting “I’m honored to have your support and that of so many Tennesseans who are ready to put aside the partisan shouting and get things done. We’re ready for it.”

Not surprisingly, the post rendered a backlash of its own. On Monday, October 8th, President Donald Trump chimed in to say that he now likes Taylor Swift’s music “about 25% less.” Mainstream Republicans were also upset, posting a response assuring that she would not be able to, in the words of one of her pop hits, “shake it off.”

Although pop stars have traditionally been private with their views, Taylor Swift has not been the only star to break this social norm. Kanye West has become a prominent Trump supporter and recently went to go visit him in the White House. Celebrity endorsements continue to be on the rise, but do not always guarantee an edge .

Sources: Instagram, Time, Twitter, CNN, NRSC