Is Kanye West gunning for an inauguration performance gig?
The rapper was spotted arriving at Trump Tower Tuesday morning with an entourage — then joined President-elect Donald Trump for a photo op minutes later in the lobby.
It was not immediately clear what the power powwow was about.
“I just want to take a picture right now,” West said, standing next to a smiling Trump.
“We’ve been friends for a long time,” Donald Trump says as he stands next to Kanye West. https://t.co/OqlbFsDJBY
— New Day (@NewDay) December 13, 2016
“We’ve been friends for a long time,” Trump said before hugging West and whispering to him: “Take care of yourself. I’ll see you soon.”
The 39-year-old music maker — who suffered a much-publicized meltdown last month in LA – was without his wife, Kim Kardashian, as he hustled by reporters shortly after 9 a.m. Included in his entourage was Corey Gamble, who is dating West’s mother-in-law, Kris Jenner.
Trump’s transition team has been trying to sign up top-notch performers to take part in his Jan. 20 inauguration. Page Six reported this week that he planned to personally approach world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
West has thrown his support behind Trump in the past. Following the election last month, he said from a concert stage, “I told y’all I didn’t vote, right? But I didn’t tell you — I guess I told you — but if I would’ve voted, I would’ve voted on Trump.”
Kanye West arrives at Trump Tower for meeting with President-elect Trump.pic.twitter.com/LQohVVLNo4
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 13, 2016
Tuesday’s meeting at Trump Tower could have major political implications — as West himself has said he’s planning to run for president in 2020, the same year Trump would be up for re-election.
“I have decided in 2020 to run for president,” West said at the VMAs in 2015.
This was West’s first big appearance following his release from the hospital. Last week he was spotted at a relatively low-key art event in LA with newly dyed blond hair.
A Trump rep did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
