Donald Trump has expressed his honest opinion on controversial rapper Kanye West, who has faced backlash for his anti-Semitic remarks in recent years.
Despite the rapper’s attempts to rebuild his persona following multiple scandals, the former president acknowledged the complexity of West’s character during an appearance on Adin Ross’ Kick stream on Monday, August 5. The session, attended by Trump supporters donning red MAGA hats, featured a quick hits segment where Ross prompted Trump for reactions to various public figures.
When Kanye West’s picture appeared on the screen, Trump described him as “very complicated.” He elaborated, “Let’s say complicated because he is. He’s a really nice guy, but he can get some people into trouble. And he can get some other people. But, you know, he’s got a good heart – he does, he does, but he’s complicated, Kanye.”
Trump’s comments about West sparked reactions on social media, with many agreeing with his assessment. One user on X, formerly Twitter, commented, “Trump is honestly dead on target with this,” while another added, “Every time Trump speaks about Kanye, he gives nothing but love to him.”
During the stream, Trump also touched on other topics, including the ongoing RICO trial involving rapper Young Thug and the YSL collective. He urged District Attorney Fani Willis to treat Young Thug fairly.
Kanye West has previously voiced his support for Trump. In 2016, West stated he would have voted for Trump had he voted, and in 2018, he visited the White House wearing a red Make America Great Again hat. At the Oval Office, West said, “It was something about when I put this hat on that made me feel like Superman. You made a Superman – that’s my favorite superhero – you made a Superman cape. I think it’s the bravery that helps you beat this game called life. They tried to scare me into not wearing this hat – my own friends. This hat, it gives me power in a certain way.”
Their friendship faced challenges after Trump was criticized in 2022 for dining with West and far-right activist Nick Fuentes despite their controversial comments. Following West’s anti-Semitic outbursts on social media that year, Trump referred to him on Truth Social as a “seriously troubled man.”