When Kanye West appeared beside Donald Trump for a photo-op on Dec. 13, confusion was probably the inital reaction for most. Why would one of the top rap artists of our generation decide to stand next to a man who has unapologetically spewed racism and hate? Kanye once stated that he would have voted for Trump if he had decided to vote. But seeing Kanye next to Trump was a repulsive sight to some.
John Legend, a former friend and artist who was produced and signed by Kanye, blasted him for the decision to meet Trump. In an interview with Clique, Legend said, “I’m pretty disappointed with Kanye, that he says he would have voted for Trump. I think Trump has been corrosive. His message has been corrosive to the country, and I think the things he’s promised to do have been very concerning for a lot of people. For Kanye to support that message is very disappointing.”
Kanye looked uneasy as photographers snapped pictures of him and Trump at the Trump Towers in New York. Kanye would later go to Twitter and explain why he decided to meet with Trump.
“I wanted to meet with Trump today to discuss multicultural issues. These issues included bullying, supporting teachers, modernizing curriculum, and violence in Chicago,” Kanye tweeted. He also hinted at a possible run for president with hashtag, “2024.”
However, Legend was not buying that Kanye could actually speak on issues with Trump and believes that it was only a publicity stunt. “I don’t think it’s impossible to talk to him about issues, but I won’t be used as a publicity stunt and I think Kanye was a publicity stunt,” Legend said.
It’s highly possible that Trump was only using Kanye to gain publicity. At this point, Trump has done little to suggest that he would create change in urban areas. Thus far, his top appointees have been old, rich, White men with right-wing views. Their plans to abolish Obamacare would be detrimental to low-income earners in urban communtites.
Trump has also failed to speak on the hate speech and actions of his supporters since he won the election. According to reports by the FBI, Hate crimes have increased rapidly since election night.
