Pop star Tate McRae is addressing intense public scrutiny over her political views and private life following a series of high-profile collaborations and promotional appearances, according to a cover story interview published by Variety on Monday. The Canadian singer broke her silence on why she largely avoids explicitly airing political stances, pointing instead to her tour environment and the charitable organizations she supports.
Questions regarding McRae’s political leanings surfaced following her May 2025 collaboration with U.S. country singer Morgan Wallen on the chart-topping track “What I Want.” Wallen faced widespread backlash in 2021 after TMZ published a video of him using a racial slur outside his Nashville home, though he has not publicly endorsed Donald Trump or the MAGA movement.
Backlash Over NBC Olympics Promotion and Hockey Rumours
Speculation intensified earlier this year when the Calgary-born musician starred in an NBC promotional advertisement highlighting the 2026 U.S. Winter Olympics team. According to social media reactions, some Canadian fans accused McRae of being a traitor for siding with the American team, while other supporters viewed the national commercial as a major career milestone.
The online chatter further amplified amid swirling rumours of a romantic relationship with New Jersey Devils centre Jack Hughes. Hughes faced significant public criticism after visiting the White House with the U.S. men’s hockey team following their gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The team drew backlash after laughing at a joke made by President Trump directed at the women’s hockey team during a congratulatory call.
Defending the visit, Hughes told the Daily Mail, “Everything is so political. We’re athletes. We’re so proud to represent the U.S. and we get the chance to go to the White House, meet the president. You know, we’re proud to be Americans.”
Expressing Values Through Advocacy and Tour Culture
Addressing her reluctance to formally debate politics, McRae told Variety that her positions are already visible through her actions. “I like to say my piece through organizations I support and the environment that I have on tour,” she stated in the interview.
While she did not explicitly name every group, her merchandise store previously sold a “Little Miss Possessive” hoodie with a share of the proceeds benefiting The Trevor Project—a suicide prevention non-profit focused on LGBTQ+ youth—and the Global Fund for Women. “I think it’s pretty obvious what kind of person I am and the things I support,” McRae added. “And I hope that my fans can see that through the things that I’m putting my energy towards.”
Did you know? Before achieving global pop stardom, Tate McRae got her big break competing on the reality dance competition series So You Think You Can Dance.
Regarding her personal life and the constant online speculation, McRae noted that she attempts to isolate herself from external noise. “You just try to keep that circle as positive and supportive as possible,” she told Variety. “And the outside noise, I can’t do anything about that. Focusing my energy on something that I can’t control, it just puts me in a bad mood.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tate McRae face backlash over her political views?
Public scrutiny grew after McRae collaborated with singer Morgan Wallen, starred in an NBC ad promoting Team USA during the 2026 Winter Olympics, and faced rumours regarding a relationship with U.S. hockey player Jack Hughes following his White House visit.
How does Tate McRae address political questions?
According to her Variety interview, McRae prefers to communicate her values through the organizations she supports, her tour environment, and charitable merchandise proceeds directed toward groups like The Trevor Project.
What charitable organizations has Tate McRae supported?
McRae has directed portions of her merchandise proceeds to organizations including The Trevor Project and the Global Fund for Women.
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