Kanye West, the renowned rapper, fashion designer, and entrepreneur, has officially abandoned his plans for a 2024 presidential bid. The news came as a surprise to many, as Kanye had previously announced his intentions to run for the presidency in November 2022, following his unsuccessful 2020 bid. The decision was confirmed by his personal attorney, Bruce Marks, who stated unequivocally, “He’s not a candidate for office in 2024.”
Kanye West, who is also known by his legal name Ye, is no stranger to the world of politics. In 2020, he made headlines by announcing his candidacy for the 2020 US presidential election as an independent candidate representing the ‘BDY’ Party. While his 2020 campaign garnered attention, he ultimately secured approximately 60,000 votes across 12 states where he managed to get on the ballot.
The announcement of Kanye’s 2024 presidential bid last year had sparked speculation about whether he would once again enter the political arena. However, a source close to Kanye’s 2020 committee revealed that there were no concrete plans for a 2024 campaign. The source emphasized that there was no campaign structure or any preparations in place for another run, making the chances of a YE24 bid “beyond remote.”
The Federal Election Commission filing from Kanye’s political committee, Kanye 2020, further supported the notion that he was not pursuing a presidential bid. The filing reportedly provided evidence of the decision not to continue with a presidential campaign. Moreover, the committee’s current financial status indicated that they had less than $25,000 on hand, raising questions about their readiness for another political endeavor.
One of the key factors that may have contributed to Kanye West’s decision to step away from politics is his focus on other aspects of his life. In April, filmmaker Adam Camacho, who had been hired by Kanye to create a documentary in November 2022, shed light on Kanye’s priorities. According to Camacho, Kanye had expressed a desire to concentrate on his family, including his new wife, children, and the Donda Academy, a school he had founded. Camacho quoted Kanye 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.”
This sentiment was echoed by an anonymous employee from Kanye’s company, who emphasized that Kanye’s interests were primarily focused on his family and creative endeavors. The employee asserted that anyone representing Kanye in a political capacity was not genuinely aligned with his priorities, stating, “There is no political shop.”
Kanye’s foray into politics began to take shape earlier than his 2020 presidential bid. In 2018, he had a widely publicized meeting with then-President Donald Trump at the White House. During this meeting, Kanye discussed various issues, including the 13th Amendment and U.S. manufacturing. Wearing a red ‘Make America Great Again’ hat, Kanye complimented Trump and expressed his admiration for the president.
At the Oval Office meeting, Trump was asked whether 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.”
While Kanye West’s presidential ambitions have taken a backseat for now, his impact on the intersection of entertainment and politics remains undeniable. His decision to abandon the 2024 presidential bid reflects a shift in priorities towards family and creative pursuits. As Kanye continues to evolve and explore various endeavors, the world will undoubtedly be watching his next steps closely.