Kanye West announces plans to run for president in 2020 US elections

He announced the news in a tweet on American Independence Day

In another shocking twist to 2020, rapper Kanye West has announced his plans to run for US president.

Choosing to announce the news on American Independence Day, the Jesus Walks singer said he would challenge Donald Trump – of whom he has been a vocal supporter – in the coming US election.

“We must now realise the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future,” West said in a tweet. “I am running for president of the United States. #2020vision.”

His wife, Kim Kardashian-West, was one of the first to respond to the tweet, commenting with a US flag.

This is not the first time West has mentioned his plans to run for president. In January 2019 he simply tweeted “2024”, which many took as a sign of his intention to run. He also discussed his plans during a visit to Trump at the White House, when the president said West “could very well be” a future presidential candidate.

West also spoke of his 2024 vision during an appearance at Fast Company’s Innovation Festival in November 2019.

“When I run for president in 2024,” West said, interrupted by an outbreak of laughter. “What y’all laughing at? We would create so many jobs! I’m not going to run, I’m going to walk.”

It is unclear whether West has, at this point, made any official moves to appear on US ballot papers. However, he was quick to receive the backing of billionaire technology mogul Elon Musk.

The Tesla founder replied to the tweet saying: “You have my full support.”

The news comes days after West released his new single, Wash Us in the Blood, featuring Travis Scott, and announced that he will release a new album called God’s Country.