Kanye West, who has garnered mixed reactions for his support for President Donald Trump and comments about slavery, just proclaimed he would be the president that would “realize the the promise of America.”
Late on Independence Day, West, 43, used his Twitter account to profess his intention to run for president. It was unclear if he hoped to be a third viable contender for president against Trump or former Vice President Joe Biden, but he did hashtag his tweet about the presidential run with “2020VISION.”
“We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States,” West tweeted.
We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States 🇺🇸! #2020VISION
— ye (@kanyewest) July 5, 2020
The Atlanta native took a bit of a detour with his declaration of running for president since he in the past has insinuated and directly supported Trump as president as he seeks reelection. In an interview with GQ magazine earlier this year, West seemed to allude to voting for Trump this year.
“I’m definitely voting this time. And we know who I’m voting on. And I’m not going to be told by the people around me and the people that have their agenda that my career is going to be over. Because guess what: I’m still here! Jesus Is King was No. 1!”
West has spoken on various topics that face U.S. citizens that he would like to see changed by legislation and leadership, including rectifying that there is a disproportionate number of Black people in the prison system and the imbalance of wealth in America.
In the midst of social unrest over the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, West recently offered his support via financial means through a $2 million donation to their families and legal teams. He was also seen marching with protesters in his hometown of Chicago.
His announcement received some A-list support like a vow of approval from billionaire Elon Musk.
You have my full support!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 5, 2020
His wife, Kim Kardashian West, who has spearheaded criminal justice reform efforts in recent years, also gave her subtle support on Twitter by retweeting West’s tweet with a U.S. flag emoji.
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) July 5, 2020
Previously, West in a press conference proudly touted why he would be an ideal candidate in 2024. His statements were met with some laughter at the time.
Many did not take his announcement as a joke Saturday.
I will be voting for Kanye West for President. pic.twitter.com/GEHqH4jblc
— Ronald Isley (@yoyotrav) July 5, 2020
— Debating Hip-Hop (@DebatingHipHop_) July 5, 2020
Many others dismissed his potential presidential run. Some Twitter users also said this was another way to support Trump.
Is this a ploy to try and get trump re-elected
— Vanessa (@vanessa_) July 5, 2020
This is a ploy by Kanye to get Trump re-elected, Do NOT fall for it!!!! This is just to steal votes from Biden which only helps Trump
— Gordon Gekko “Greed Mode” (@KingSelfComedy) July 5, 2020
2020 is going CRAZY
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv) July 5, 2020
Black people are not that dumb. We would not waste our vote on him if it meant Trump might win ... hell to the no. Trump’s little plan may have backed fired on him too all those young Republican white people that like him now they might vote for him instead of Trump. Hummm
— Andrea Rodriguez (@Arichrodriguez2) July 5, 2020
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