Kanye West announces: 'I am running for president of the United States'

"We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future," West tweeted on Independence Day.

By Alex Nitzberg

Published: July 5, 2020 12:28pm

Updated: July 5, 2020 10:45pm

Renowned musical artist Kanye West on Independence Day tweeted that he will run for president this year.

"We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States! #2020VISION," he tweeted.

So far, West's announcement has garnered more than 475,000 retweets and nearly one million likes. He has previously spoken about having presidential aspirations.

Elon Musk, known for helming companies including Space X and Tesla, expressed his support for West.

West recently released a single titled "Wash Us In the Blood" in advance of the release of his forthcoming album "God's Country."

If West mounts a presidential bid, he will have to defeat both of the major political parties' candidates, Republican incumbent President Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden. West has missed the filing deadline to get on the ballot in a number of states, though voters could write his name in during the election.