From Backstreet to Beyoncé: JD Vance’s Queer-Coded Playlist Leaked

YOUR EX

August 7, 2025

A newly leaked Spotify playlist allegedly belonging to U.S. Vice President JD Vance has revealed an unexpected affinity for gay anthems, boy bands, and powerhouse divas like Whitney Houston — prompting both amusement and curiosity across the internet.

The revelation comes via Panama Playlists, an anonymously published website first reported by WIRED. The site claims to have tracked the real Spotify accounts of celebrities, politicians, and journalists using a mix of public usernames, listening patterns, and account details.

“I found the real Spotify accounts of celebrities, politicians, and journalists,” the site reads. “Many use their real names. With a little investigating, I could say with near-certainty: Yep, this is that person.”

The creator of the website says they used Spotify’s public settings — including the “last played” feature — to scrape listening activity, determine song repetition, and reveal music preferences. As the site puts it: “The Panama Papers revealed hidden bank accounts. This reveals hidden tastes.”

A Touch of Gold… and Whitney

Among those reportedly exposed is JD Vance, who recently took office as Vice President. The Spotify account attributed to him includes a public playlist titled “Gold on the Ceiling”, potentially referencing recent $200 million renovations to the White House ballroom, which now features gold decor and new flagpoles.

But the music is what’s turning heads: the playlist features LGBTQ+ cultural staples like Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car”.

Another playlist, aptly titled “Making Dinner”, includes boy band classics like One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful”, the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way”, and pop hits by Justin Bieber. Florence + The Machine also makes two appearances.

The playlists don’t suggest anything about Vance’s personal identity, but the musical preferences are an unexpected contrast to his public image as a conservative and former ally of Donald Trump’s more hardline rhetoric.

Other Trump Allies Revealed

JD Vance isn’t the only Trump-affiliated figure caught up in the leak. Other political figures whose alleged Spotify habits were revealed include:

Ron DeSantis – Florida Governor and frequent anti-LGBTQ+ campaigner, whose playlist reportedly includes songs by Queen, Elton John, and Miley Cyrus.
Pam Bondi – Trump’s former impeachment attorney general.
Jacob Helberg – An openly gay nominee for U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth.

While some might view the playlists as tongue-in-cheek or harmless, the contrast between public policy stances and private listening choices has sparked wider debate about performative politics and personal authenticity.