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

Girl Scouts of Greater New York Kick Off Cookie Season

Cheddar News' Shannon LaNier spoke with Meredith Maskara, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, about what it takes to run of the largest Girl Scouts organizations in the country and the only one that is 100 percent urban. The group serves 25,000 girl with the support of 3,000 volunteers. Maskara gave viewers a sneak preview of the cookies soon to be available across the city.

Today Explained: Seattle Bans Caste Discrimination

Seattle has become the first U.S. city to ban caste discrimination, which has directly affected those whose ancestors come from some southeastern Asian countries. Cheddar News explains what that means.

One Good Thing: Woman With No Car Finds $15K in Cash and Returns It

Dianne Gordon of Michigan saw her life change after finding a zip lock bag with $15,000, but not in the way that you would expect.

Spotify Launches Curated AI Experience Called “DJ”

Spotify is launching a new AI-powered feature called "DJ."

World’s Longest Skate Rink Faces First Shutdown In 52 Years

The world's longest skating rink faces its first shutdown in 52 years because of climate change.

Variety: The Rolling Stones Recording With the Beatles

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr will record on a new album with The Rolling Stones, according to Variety.

Seattle Becomes First US City To Ban Caste-Based Discrimination

Seattle became the first city to ban discrimination based on caste.

Black Talent in the Shifting Media Industry

Alfred Edmond Jr., Senior Vice President & Executive Editor-at-Large at Black Enterprise, joins Cheddar News to discuss how the media landscape has shifted for young and upcoming black talent in the industry.

EEAAO 'Raccacoonie' Auction by A24 to Benefit Laundry Workers, Trans Rights

Movie studio A24 is auctioning off props from the hit film Everything, Everywhere All At Once to raise money for laundry workers, asian mental health, and transgender rights.

On the Scene: Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses at Alvin & Friends

Cheddar's Shannon LaNier met with Alvin Clayton, founder of Alvin & Friends in New Rochelle, New York, to talk about black-owned businesses.

Load More