Trump added that the two had talked about “Life. We discussed life.” © AP Photo/Seth Wenig President-elect Donald Trump and Kanye West pose for a picture in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016.
West, looking solemn and sporting a new blond hairdo, gave no explanation, giving a thumbs up and saying only, “I’m just here to take a picture right now.” He was without his wife, reality television star Kim Kardashian.
West made headlines in November when he was booed at a concert for declaring his support for Trump, although he said he had not voted in the Nov. 8 presidential election. The “Jesus Walks” rapper also had declared he planned to run for U.S. president in 2020.
E! News, whose E! network broadcasts reality show “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” said West had discussed becoming an “ambassador of sorts” for the Trump administration.
Quoting a source close to the rapper, E! News said Trump reached out to West. “Trump thinks he’s a great role model when it comes to business,” the source said.
Representatives of West did not return calls for comment.
Tuesday’s visit also came as Trump’s team was planning details of his Jan. 20 inauguration. Asked by reporters whether he is considering performing at the inauguration, West did not respond.
Music stars including Beyonce, Katy Perry and Bruce Springsteen backed Democrat Hillary Clinton in the election and no celebrities have yet been announced as taking part in the inauguration, although country singer Garth Brooks is in discussions to perform.
“Will Kanye perform at Trump’s presidential inauguration”? celebrity commentator Lailah Lynn asked on Twitter.
“Is Kanye West gunning to perform at the inauguration?” the New York Post wondered in an online report.
West was hospitalized last month after a series of bizarre rants and after he abruptly canceled the remainder of his U.S. tour. No official explanation has been given about his condition, which was initially attributed to exhaustion.