He made the announcement via Twitter.
While most of us were eating BBQ and watching fireworks on the Fourth of July, rapper, producer, and businessman Kanye West was making moves. During the celebration of American independence, West took to Twitter and announced his plans to run for president of the United States.
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
West has previously announced potential presidential runs throughout the years. At the 2015 MTC Video Music Awards, West used his acceptance speech to say he would run for president in 2020. Then in January 2019, he tweeted "2024," which seemed to delay his presidential plan. However, the hashtag and the timing of his Fourth of July tweet—days after West announced his new album, "God’s Country"—suggest he is referencing this year’s 2020 election.
The election is a mere four months away, and in order to get his name on the ballot, West will need to register with the Federal Election Commission, present his campaign platform, and obtain thousands of signatures. So far, there is no indication that he has checked any of these items off his list.
The filing deadlines for independent presidential candidates have also passed in most states, including Texas, North Carolina, New York, Maine, New Mexico, and Indiana. The last deadlines are just two months away in September, meaning West would have to hustle to get his name added to the ballot.
Despite all of the work he still needs to do, the music mogul has already gained some prominent endorsements. Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to West’s tweet:
You have my full support!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 5, 2020
NFL star Dez Bryant tweeted, "I’m voting for Kanye [West]" and singer-songwriter Ty Dolla $ign said,
Ye for president 🗣 https://t.co/j7UlieSmwL
— Ty Dolla $ign (@tydollasign) July 5, 2020
Kim Kardashian-West also retweeted his announcement, adding an American flag emoji to his comments, and as of Monday morning, West's tweet had over 108,000 comments, 527,000 retweets, and 1.1 million likes.
However, there are also those who aren't as supportive of West's bid for the Oval Office ...
Imma let you finish but no.
— The Hoarse Whisperer (@HoarseWisperer) July 5, 2020
just when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any worse pic.twitter.com/fuP9VFtEqn
— tabby✨ (@ThomsonTabby) July 6, 2020
What do YOU think about Kanye West's latest announcement? Sound off in the comments below.