TOPLINE
After years of clues, Kanye West formally announced that he will run for president this year in a challenge to Trump, whom he once supported, and Democratic rival Joe Biden, garnering the support of his friend and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 2: Kanye West is seen leaving a restaurant after his show on March 2, 2020. … [+]
KEY FACTS
Completing his Fourth of July, West tweeted Saturday night: “We must now fulfill America’s promise by trusting God, unifying our vision, and building our future. I am running for President of the United States! # 2020VISION “.
Musk tweeted in response: “You have my full support!”
Wife Kim Kardashian also publicly pledged her support, retweeted West’s statement, and added an American flag emoji.
West’s announcement follows years of indications that he would run for office this year which he later postponed to 2024, after publicly declaring at a Fast Company event in 2019: “When I ran for president in 2024 … We would create so many jobs! I’m not going to run, I’m going to walk. “
But the rapper, who recently signed a 10-year contract with Gap through his Yeezy brand, has reportedly not yet submitted any paperwork to enter state ballots, while missing the deadline for states like Texas. , New York and Indiana.
It is unknown how serious West’s intentions are this time around, however he still has time to stand as an independent candidate in most states, according to Ballotpedia.
West’s statement was met with skepticism on social media, while some commentators noted that it could work in Trump’s favor.
Key background
West’s statement suggests the rapper is seeking to cement the political ambitions he has voiced during the Trump presidency. West previously forged alliances with Trump, and was photographed in the Oval Office in 2018 wearing a Trump ‘Make America Great Again’ cap. He once called the president his “brother” and previously responded to criticism of his support for Trump, comparing backlash to racial discrimination. Although he says he didn’t vote in 2016, West later said he “would have voted for Trump,” and he doubled earlier this year, suggesting he would vote for him in November. But that could well change given Saturday’s announcement.
American rapper and producer Kanye West hugs real estate developer and United States President Donald Trump … [+]
Tangent
West and Musk were photographed together on July 1, with West tweeting: “When you go with your children [sic] home and they are both dressed in orange. “
Further reading
Kanye West announces he is running for president (Forbes)
Is Kanye West serious about his bid for the presidency? (Forbes)
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