Trump Calls Rapper Ye 'Complicated' but Says He 'Has a Good Heart'
On Monday, Donald Trump referred to rapper Ye as a “really nice guy” who is “complicated” but has “a good heart.” This praise comes despite Ye’s history of antisemitic remarks, which have drawn widespread condemnation and prompted many companies to sever ties with him.
Trump faced significant backlash in 2022 for dining with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, and far-right activist Nick Fuentes, both of whom have made antisemitic comments. During a lengthy interview with online streamer Adin Ross, Trump seemed to acknowledge the controversy surrounding Ye.
“He’s very complicated,” Trump said as Ross asked for his thoughts on various public figures displayed on the screen. Trump noted that the rapper “can get himself into trouble” like “some other people.”
“But, you know, he’s got a good heart,” Trump added. “He does, he does, but he’s complicated, Kanye.”
Liked Adolf Hitler and praised Nazis
Ye’s antisemitic remarks severely impacted his business empire in 2022. He infamously stated on social media that he intended to go “death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE.” Later, during an appearance with far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, he expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler and praised Nazis.
In response to Trump’s comments, campaign communications director Steven Cheung emphasized Trump’s support for Israel and his policy achievements, including the Abraham Accords.
Cheung stated that the former president has actively fought antisemitism “in America and abroad.” He referred to Ye as “a complicated person who gets himself into trouble” and criticized Kamala Harris for allegedly appeasing Hamas sympathizers while Democrats have emboldened antisemitic protests on college campuses.
The interview also raised potential campaign finance violations when Ross presented Trump with two extravagant gifts: a Rolex watch and a custom Cybertruck featuring an image from the moments following an assassination attempt on Trump last month. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, which produces the Cybertruck, has endorsed Trump.
Federal regulations cap individual contributions to federal candidates at $3,300. Trump’s campaign spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, stated they would “submit an advisory opinion to the FEC to seek guidance on how to handle the gifts.”
The Federal Election Commission declined to comment on the gifts, and representatives for Ross did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Landed himself in hot water
Daniel Weiner, director of the elections and government program at the Brennan Center for Justice, a nonprofit law and public policy institute at NYU School of Law, stated that Ross may have put himself in a difficult position with his gifts.
“Since Trump is a candidate, he’s subject to federal contribution limits, which are around $3,000 per individual per election,” Weiner explained. “A contribution isn’t limited to cash; it can also include in-kind contributions, which are items of value. A Cybertruck and a Rolex both qualify as items of value. It’s pretty straightforward.”
Weiner further noted, “If it’s not Mr. Ross himself giving these gifts but rather his company, it complicates matters. While corporations can spend unlimited amounts independently on electoral advocacy, they are prohibited from contributing directly to campaigns.
Therefore, I would argue that if a corporation is presenting these expensive gifts to a candidate, that’s likely illegal.”
Two years ago, Trump faced backlash for dining with Ye and Fuentes, receiving criticism from across the political spectrum. Matt Brooks, CEO of the Republican Jewish Coalition, condemned the “virulent antisemitism” of Trump’s dinner guests and urged all political leaders to reject their messages of hate and refuse to meet with them. A representative for the RJC did not respond to inquiries on Monday evening.
Ross, the streamer who interviewed Trump, is also a controversial figure. He previously hosted Fuentes, who has made antisemitic statements, including denouncing “perfidious Jews” and calling for the annihilation of those “suppressing Christianity.”
In a separate instance, Ross infamously stated that his pronouns are “kill / them” in response to a discussion about gender pronouns.
On Monday, Trump praised the 23-year-old streamer Adin Ross, recalling that he first heard about him from his youngest son, Barron. “Dad, he’s really big,” Trump quoted Barron as saying.
After Ross encouraged his viewers to “go out there and vote, and vote for the right person,” Trump marveled at Ross’s support, noting that he had gone further than many other interviewers. Behind them, about two dozen supporters cheered periodically, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a rally.
“Outstanding, to do what you’ve done at a young age,” Trump told Ross.
The two spent the final part of their hour-and-a-half conversation sitting in the Cybertruck while listening to music. Trump’s discussion with Ross was wide-ranging, including criticism of Vice President Harris, whom he compared unfavorably to potential running mates. “All of the people she’s looking at are considered much better than her,” he stated, adding that he believes “virtually every one of them is considered better, smarter, and would be a better president than her.”
Harris is expected to announce her running mate on Tuesday ahead of a scheduled multistate tour with her vice-presidential pick.
In response to Trump’s appearance with Ross, Harris’s campaign issued a statement calling it “low energy” and criticizing Trump for “spending the hour lying about his record and attacking the media instead of addressing the issues young voters care about.”
Trump also targeted ABC News reporter Rachel Scott during the conversation, calling her “nasty,” “rude,” and “horrible” after she pressed him on past offensive comments at the National Association of Black Journalists convention. He added that if he owned the network, he would fire her.
1 thought on “Trump Calls Rapper Ye ‘Complicated’ but Says He ‘Has a Good Heart’”
Comments are closed.