Kanye West, the famous rapper, fashion designer, and entrepreneur, has surprised everyone by officially announcing that he will not be running for president in 2024. This comes as a shock as he had previously declared his intentions to run for the presidency in November 2022, following his unsuccessful bid in 2020. Kanye’s personal attorney, Bruce Marks, confirmed this decision, stating, “He’s not a candidate for office in 2024.”
Although known for his music and fashion, Kanye West made headlines in the 2020 US presidential election when he ran as an independent candidate representing the ‘BDY’ Party. Despite gaining attention, he only received around 60,000 votes in 12 states where he appeared on the ballot.
Speculation had been rife about whether Kanye would make another bid for the presidency in 2024 after his announcement last year. However, a source close to Kanye’s 2020 campaign revealed that there were no solid plans for a 2024 campaign. The source emphasized that there was no campaign structure or preparations in place, making the chances of a YE24 bid unlikely.
Furthermore, the Federal Election Commission filing from Kanye’s political committee, Kanye 2020, supported the notion that he was not pursuing a presidential bid. The filing reportedly provided evidence of the decision not to continue with a campaign. Additionally, the committee’s current financial status indicated that they had less than $25,000 on hand, raising doubts about their readiness for another political endeavor.
One of the main reasons behind Kanye West’s decision to step away from politics may be his desire to focus on other aspects of his life. In April, filmmaker Adam Camacho, who had been working on a documentary with Kanye, shed light on his priorities. According to Camacho, Kanye expressed a desire to concentrate on his family, including his new wife, children, and the Donda Academy, a school he founded. Kanye was quoted as saying, “Right now, I am living my life – like I’m concentrating on the school, The Donda Academy, and my new wife, and my kids, and that’s it.”
An anonymous employee from Kanye’s company echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Kanye’s interests were primarily centered around his family and creative ventures. The employee stated that anyone representing Kanye in a political capacity was not truly aligned with his priorities, saying, “There is no political shop.”
Kanye West’s entry into politics began before his 2020 presidential bid. In 2018, he had a highly publicized meeting with then-President Donald Trump at the White House. During that meeting, Kanye discussed various issues, including the 13th Amendment and U.S. manufacturing. Wearing a red ‘Make America Great Again’ hat, Kanye praised Trump and expressed his admiration for the president.
When asked if he believed Kanye could become a future presidential candidate, Trump responded, “could very well be.” Kanye chimed in, saying, “Only after 2024,” and added, “Let’s stop worrying about the future; all we really have is today.”
Although Kanye West’s presidential ambitions are on hold for now, his impact on the intersection of entertainment and politics is undeniable. His decision to abandon the 2024 presidential bid reflects a shift in priorities towards family and creative pursuits. As Kanye continues to explore various endeavors, the world will undoubtedly be eagerly watching his next steps.
