On Independence Day, Kanye West tweeted that he’s running for president. It’s not the first time the rapper has declared an interest in taking over the Oval Office. At the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, he announced at the end of his 11-minute Video Vanguard Award acceptance speech that he’s aiming for the highest office: “I have decided in 2020 to run for president.”
It’s no surprise that wife Kim Kardashian is showing her support after his latest announcement. She retweeted the rapper’s July 4 message with an emoji of the American flag. Entrepreneur Elon Musk is also backing Ye, tweeting in response to West’s announcement: “You have my full support!”
But how does the music community feel about Yeezy 2020? Reactions were mixed after West, who recently dropped new tune “Wash Us in the Blood” featuring Travis Scott and has been a vocal Donald Trump supporter, made his unexpected holiday announcement. Some even mocked him.
Among those poking fun was comedian Tiffany Haddish, who revealed in 2019 she’s working on a music album. She quoted Kanye’s tweet, but changed the last sentence: “We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I too am running for president of the United States! #2020VISION”
Some, such as actor and Band of Ghosts lead singer Eric Balfour, were not amused by the declaration. “Do you guys think this is all a joke? That potentially pulling votes away from the only nominee who can defeat Donald Trump is cute or funny?” he responded to West’s tweet. “This is the height of privilege ultimately it won’t hurt you, you’re wealthy enough to survive 4 more years of Trump!”
See what the rapper’s fellow music makers have to say about him throwing his hat in the ring just months before the presidential election.