Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music
Get our Now Hear This email for free
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kanye West had no answer when the TV host asked why he thinks President Trump cares about black people.
The pair touched on the topic of politics when Kimmel asked about Kim Kardashian-West’s role in securing clemency for Alice Marie Johnson, prompting West to discuss his continued support for the president.
The rapper said that as a musician, an African American, and Hollywood figure, "everyone around me tried to pick my candidate for me.”
Despite the perception that “blacks can only be Democrats,” the 41-year-old rap star told Kimmel that his support isn’t about politics, as he is “not a politician,” it is about “overcoming fear.”
However, when the late-night host pushed West to explain why he supports President Trump, or why he thinks he the president cares about black people, West was at a loss for words.
Referring to the rapper’s 2004 claim that former president George W Bush “doesn’t care about black people,” Kimmel said: “What makes you think that Donald Trump does - or any people at all?”
West’s seconds of silence prompted Kimmel to suggest taking a commercial break.
West couldn't answer Kimmel's question about President Trump (Jimmy Kimmel Live)
Earlier in the interview, the Ye rapper revealed: “I quite enjoy it when people are mad at me about certain things.”
'Imma let you finish' - Kanye West's most controversial quotes
Show all 10
In May, West provoked extreme backlash when he suggested on TMZ that slavery of African Americans may have been a “choice.”
Kanye West says he's worried about Kim Kardashian around 'player' Trump
The outspoken artist has previously expressed his support for the president by wearing an iconic red Make America Great Again hat and referring to President Trump as “my brother.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies