Making Sense of Kanye West's Political Ambitions

*By Max Godnick* Kanye West was slinging optimistic platitudes last month, courting conservative thought leaders, and increasing his public profile. Could a trip to Iowa be next? The rapper's recent Twitter activity has caused some pundits to speculate about his political ambitions. In April, West expressed his "love" for President Trump and wore a "Make America Great Again" hat in [a photo](https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/989222392630202368). He said he "likes the way" the right-wing commentator Candace Owens thinks, and released a new song with the lyric: "I know Obama was heaven-sent, but ever since Trump won, it proved that I could be president." West had teased a potential White House run in September 2015 at MTV's Video Music Awards, where he announced, "I have decided in 2020 to run for president." Last week, he appeared to postpone his plan, cryptically tweeting ["2024"](https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/988984329295441921). "I could see him trying," said Brande Victorian, the managing editor of MadameNoire, a Black women's lifestyle site. "I mean, we didn't think Trump would be here." Republicans have embraced West's newly-public political musings. Donald Trump Jr. [tweeted a photo](https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/990930382685196288) Monday of West with Owens and the conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Victorian said Tuesday in an interview with Cheddar she was skeptical that West could convince his fans to fully get behind conservatives. "You're asking virtually everyone who the party does not care about to all of a sudden have empathy for this group, which is nonsensical," she said. For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/will-kanye-west-run-for-president).

More In Culture

Mattel Working on Multiple Toy Movies

Mattel Working on Multiple Toy Movies

First Look at Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White Movie

First Look at Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White Movie

Tupac Shakur's Ring Sells For $1 Million at NYC Auction

A ruby diamond ring designed and worn by Tupac Shakur sold at an auction in New York for $1 million.

Unesco Calls for School Smartphone Ban

Unesco called for a worldwide ban on smartphones in classrooms, claiming that excessive usage was linked to reduced educational performance and emotional problems.

Tributes for Singer Sinéad O’Connor, Dead at 56

Celebrities and fans are paying tribute to singer Sinéad O’Connor, who died at the age of 56.

On The Scene: Making a Signature Rose Box Bouquet

Putting together a box of roses or any other type of flowers is a fun and creative task but even better when flowers last for a year like they dow at Rose Box NYC. Gal Yakir, head of operations and marketing specialist, joined Cheddar News to explain the process.

On The Scene: How Rose Box NYC Creates Unique and Preserved Bouquets

Rose Box NYC, a flower shop in New York City where rapper Cardi B has purchased from, helps arrange unique bouquets and provides attractive, preserved floral arrangements. Gal Yakir, head of operations and marketing specialist, spoke with Cheddar News behind its process.

Celebrities Remember Late Sinead O'Conner

Celebrities Remember Late Sinead O'Conner

In Entertainment: Remembering Sinead O'Connor, Travis Scott Canceled & Taylor Swift's Billion

Remembering a singer who changed the conversation and more in entertainment.

Sinéad O’Connor, Gifted and Provocative Irish Singer, Dies at 56

Sinéad O’Connor, the gifted Irish singer-songwriter who became a superstar in her mid-20s but was known as much for her private struggles and provocative actions as for her fierce and expressive music, has died at 56.

Load More