Rapper in White House race
KANYE West is to take on his friend Donald Trump in a bid to become the 46th President of the United States.
With four months to election day, the rapper marked Independence Day by revealing his plan.
He tweeted: “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.’
Following his tweet, bookies slashed his odds of winning the White House from 500/1 to 50/1.
West, who also owns the Yeezy fashion brand, is yet to file papers to get on state election ballots. He has missed the deadline for Indiana, Texas and New York, but still has time to file as an independent candidate in most states.
His plan to run for President already has heavyweight endorsements. SpaceX and Tesla CEO
With Trump in the Oval Office in 2018
Elon Musk tweeted: “You have my full support.” Fans suggested Musk should be West’s Vice President.
Kim Kardashian, who would be President West’s First Lady, retweeted her husband’s statement, adding a US flag emoji.
West, 43, has become increasingly vocal in politics, visiting the White House several times and advocating criminal justice reform.
He has been criticised for his friendship with Trump, a Republican who has low support among African Americans.
West wore a “Make America Great Again” hat at a 2018 meeting with Trump in the White House, but is said to have been distancing himself from the president lately.
In November, he said he planned to run for president in 2024.
His announcement that he will run this year caught the eye of a possible contender. Paris Hilton tweeted: “PARIS FOR PRESIDENT”