KANYE WEST has announced he is in the running to become President of the United States.
In an unexpected move, the platinum-selling rapper revealed his plans in a Tweet sent out to mark US Independence Day, July 4.
The message read: “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”.
The announce drew the endorsement of his wife, Kim Kardashian West, and Tesla founder Elon Musk.
Kardashian West retweeted Kanye’s announcement alongside a US flag emoji.
Musk, meanwhile, responded by saying: “You have my full support!”
The 43-year-old has previously hinted that he would run for the White House.
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
In a speech at the 2015 Video Music Awards he said: “It’s about ideas, people who believe in truth. And yes, as you probably could have guessed, I have decided in 2020 to run for president.”
However, West appeared to back track on those claims after a series of meetings with Donald Trump in which he endorsed the current President while wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap.
The most recent of these encounters came in 2018 when West infamously told Trump he made him feel like Superman, hugged him and declared: “I love this guy right here.”
Asked if West had the makings of a future presidential candidate at the time, Trump replied: “Could very well be.”
However, West appeared to rebuff any notions of running against Trump, telling reporters: “Only after 2024. Let’s stop worrying about the future. All we really have is today. We just have today.”
You have my full support!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 5, 2020
In January last year, West tweeted out the number “2024” in a message many interpreted as a sign he would run for the White House that year.
There is now growing belief that West could run as an independent or third-party campaign in the style of Ross Perot and Ralph Nader.
Despite the announcement, it’s not clear if the musician has filed any official paperwork to appear on ballots
See More: Donald Trump, Kanye West, President, US Election
