Grammy-winning rapper and prominent figure Kanye West, known as Ye, has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race, as confirmed by his personal attorney, Bruce Marks, according to a report from the Daily Mail.
Kanye West had announced his intention to run in the 2024 election in November 2022, following his earlier but unsuccessful bid in 2020.
A source closely connected to Kanye’s 2020 committee echoed the attorney’s statement, revealing that there are no plans to run, and there is no campaign structure in place.
Thelikelihood of the artist changing his mind regarding a YE24 bid was described as “beyond remote.”
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An October Federal Election Commission filing by Kanye’s political committee, Kanye 2020, also provided evidence of the decision not to pursue a presidential bid, according to Rolling Stone.
The committee, now led by its treasurer, has limited funds on hand, with less than $25,000 available.
Filmmaker Adam Camacho, who was hired by Kanye to create a documentary in November 2022, shed light on why Kanye might have shifted away from politics.
According to Camacho, Kanye had expressed that he is concentrating on his personal life, including his school, The Donda Academy, his new wife, and children, stating, “I just want to be left alone.”
An anonymous employee from Kanye’s company reiterated this sentiment, emphasizing that Kanye’s focus is on his family, creative pursuits, and children, and there is no political involvement.
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Kanye West’s political aspirations became evident when he entered the 2020 U.S. presidential election as an independent candidate under the ‘BDY’ Party label. Although he made it onto the ballot in 12 states, he received approximately 60,000 votes.
Kanye’s introduction to the world of politics occurred earlier than his 2020 bid. In 2018, he had a widely-publicized meeting with then-President Donald Trump at the White House.
During this meeting, he discussed various topics, including the 13th Amendment and U.S. manufacturing, while wearing a red ‘Make America Great Again’ hat and repeatedly complimenting Trump.
At that time, President Trump was asked whether he believed Kanye could become a future presidential candidate, to which he responded, “could very well be.”
Kanye, in response, indicated that he would consider running for the presidency but specified “only after 2024.” However, his recent decision officially marks his exit from the 2024 race.