Chappell Roan isn’t leaving her political views up for interpretation. Following backlash about her decision not to endorse Vice-President Kamala Harris, the singer clarified her stance in a TikTok on Tuesday. “Hear from my mouth if you’re still wondering: No, I’m not voting for Trump, and yes, I will always question those in power and those making decisions over other people,” she said. “I will stand up for what’s right and what I believe in. It’s always at the forefront of my project, and I’m sorry that you fell for the clickbait.”
“This is my third election voting, and the world is changing so rapidly, and I want to be part of the generation that changes things for good, because we need it,” Roan continued. “Actions speak louder than words, and actions speak louder than an endorsement.”
The video was posted in response to an interview in which Roan told The Guardian that she isn’t in a rush to make an endorsement ahead of the 2024 presidential election. To some, that news was surprising, especially since Harris’s marketing team appeared to go all in on the“Femininomenon” branding. “I have so many issues with our government in every way,” Roan said. “There are so many things that I would want to change. So I don’t feel pressured to endorse someone. There’s problems on both sides. I encourage people to use your critical-thinking skills, use your vote — vote small; vote for what’s going on in your city.”
While some criticized the statement as a vague backing of both sides-ism, the pop star’s convictions say otherwise. The 26-year-old, who recently took home Best New Artist at the VMAs, has been a staunch supporter of drag performers and the larger LGBTQ+ community since her rapid rise to fame, calling trans rights her most important political issue. Previously, Roan announced during her Governors Ball performance that she had turned down an opportunity to perform at the White House for Pride Month celebrations, noting, “We want liberty, justice, and freedom for all. When you do that, that’s when I’ll come.” And according to The Guardian, the Midwest Princess Tour’s merch stands have been selling signed risograph prints with proceeds going toward Palestinian-aid groups. When asked about the intention behind the prints, she said, “It’s just my duty to help send resources to a community that is absolutely being destroyed.”
Of course, none of that has stopped fans from speculating that Roan is a Republican dressed in drag. Earlier this month, she told Rolling Stone that she still loves and sympathizes with her conservative relatives, whom she describes as “very Republican.” But, as she reiterated to the outlet, her political leanings aren’t “so black and white that you hate one and you like the other,” adding that she feels “lucky to be alive during an incredibly historical time period when a woman of color is a presidential nominee.” So while Roan might be issuing a curt “Good luck, babe!” to Harris, that doesn’t mean you’ll see her hanging out with Brittany Mahomes anytime soon.
