Tate McRae faces backlash for refusing to disavow ‘MAGA’ label

Pop singer Tate McRae is facing renewed online criticism after declining to directly reject a “MAGA” label that has followed her for more than a year over her professional and personal associations, according to a Forbes report published Tuesday. 

Ms. McRae, a Grammy nominee, first drew political speculation after her 2025 duet with country singer Morgan Wallen, “What I Want,” became her first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1. Mr. Wallen has never publicly endorsed President Trump or the MAGA movement, but some commentators, including a Variety opinion piece, have labeled his music “Trump-coded,” pointing to his popularity with conservative audiences and a past controversy over a racial slur he used in a 2021 video. That interpretive label does not establish Mr. Wallen’s political affiliation, let alone Ms. McRae’s. 

The speculation grew after Ms. McRae was romantically linked to New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes, who was on the U.S. Olympic hockey team that visited the White House after winning gold this year. Mr. Hughes and his teammates were seen laughing during a congratulatory phone call from Mr.Trump, in which the president made a joke referencing the U.S. women’s hockey team, drawing criticism from some corners of the media, Fox News reported. 

Ms. McRae addressed the persistent questions in a Variety cover interview published Monday, telling the outlet, “I like to say my piece through organizations I support and the environment that I have on tour” when asked why she avoids weighing in directly. She pointed to her past support for The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth, and the Global Fund for Women as evidence of where she stands, saying she believes her choices speak for themselves. 

That answer did little to quiet critics. Online commenters called her a “MAGA coward” for not denouncing the movement outright, with one user suggesting her reluctance to take a side was itself telling. Forbes noted the reaction echoed earlier criticism directed at actress Sydney Sweeney over a 2025 American Eagle ad that similarly drew left-wing accusations despite her not making any political statement. 

Ms. McRae, who is Canadian, has kept her personal life closely guarded throughout the speculation.

“I try to keep my relationships as sacred and private as possible,” she said, adding that she tries not to let online chatter affect her mood.