Ray Dalio Jokingly Says If Taylor Swift Ran For President, He'd 'Consider Supporting Her'

Billionaire investor Ray Dalio has jokingly suggested that pop superstar Taylor Swift could be a unifying force for the U.S. Although made partly in jest, Dalio’s comments about Swift running for president reflect a serious recognition of the need for a leader capable of bridging the nation’s deep divisions.

‘Taylor Swift For President’ – Ray Dalio

Dalio’s endorsement came after he attended one of Swift’s concerts during her “Eras Tour.” He was struck by her ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. The observation led him to half-jokingly propose her as a potential presidential candidate. “I saw how she brought people of all sorts — and many nationalities — together,” Dalio, remarked. “I say this partly as a joke, but if she ran for president and would listen to great advisers, I’d consider supporting her.”

Re: my Taylor Swift for president! comments, no I wasn't drunk (though obviously I need to work on my selfies) and yes it was a joke, which is a half-truth. The half that's true is that I think she can bring people together a lot better than either of the presidential candidates… https://t.co/nqvfEWEUZx

— Ray Dalio (@RayDalio) March 8, 2024

Dalio’s admiration for Swift’s unifying influence is not entirely unfounded. Known for her widespread appeal and ability to connect with a broad audience, Swift has cultivated a massive and diverse fanbase. Her concerts often feature a mix of people from various walks of life, all united by their appreciation for her music and message.

This capacity to foster a sense of community and shared experience is something that Dalio sees as desperately needed in today’s fragmented political landscape.

Also Read: Swiftonomics To The Rescue! Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ To Inject $1.2B Into Rebounding UK Economy, Says Barclays

While his suggestion of a Taylor Swift presidency may have been made in a light-hearted manner, Dalio’s underlying message is serious.

Dalio Highlights The Need For a Leader To Address Societal Divisions In US

He recognizes the urgent need for a leader who can heal the nation’s divisions and bring people together. His comments highlight the broader search for such a figure, particularly in a time of intense political polarization and societal upheaval.

Dalio’s remarks also reflect his broader concerns about the direction in which the U.S. is heading. In his recent interview with the Financial Times, he warned of the potential for a civil war, estimating the likelihood at 35% to 40%.

These warnings, combined with his surprising endorsement of Swift, underscore his belief that unconventional solutions and new approaches are necessary to address the nation’s challenges.

Dalio is the founder of Bridgewater Associates. Over the past few years, 74-year-old Dalio gradually scaled back his formal role at the firm. He resigned as CEO in 2017 and stepped down as co-CIO last October. He does remain involved in a more informal capacity as a CIO mentor, offering advice and meeting with investors.

Bridgewater Associates is one of the largest hedge funds in the US. Per their last latest SEC filing for Q1 2024, their top 10 holdings had a concentration of 31.87%. Bridgewater Associates’s largest holding is the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF IVV which commands 5.57% of the portfolio.

The IVV is followed by iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF IEMG and Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL commanding 4.87% and 4.10%, respectively. Notably, Bridgewater’s allocation to Google has bumped from 1.60% in the last quarter to 4.10% in Q1 2024.

Read Next: Ray Dalio: US ‘On The Brink’ Of Civil War, But Not One Where People ‘Grab Guns And Start Shooting’

Photo: TED Conference from Flickr