Summary
Introduction and Opening Remarks
Trump comments on positive economic indicators, including employment numbers and median income, stating that promises are being kept.
North Korea Discussion
The conversation initially turns to North Korea, with Trump discussing diplomatic progress. Trump states that dialogue has been established with North Korea, noting that nuclear testing and missile launches have stopped. He emphasizes that the situation had been headed toward war before these developments.
Kanye West adds his perspective that Trump "stopped the war" and "solved one of the biggest problems," with Trump acknowledging that while not completely solved, they are "on the way" to resolution.
Criminal Justice Reform Topics
The discussion shifts to criminal justice reform when West brings up Alice Johnson, whom Trump had pardoned. West then introduces the case of Larry Hoover, described as serving six consecutive life sentences in a supermax prison. According to West's attorney present at the meeting, Hoover was imprisoned for "conspiracy from prison," which they believe resulted in an overly harsh sentence. West argues that Hoover had been working positively in the Chicago community before his imprisonment.
West's Comments on Identity Politics and Social Issues
West speaks extensively about political identity, stating that "people expect that if you're black you have to be Democrat." He discusses welfare policies, claiming they incentivize broken families. He mentions mental health institution closures in the 1980s and 1990s, which he connects to rising prison rates. West then speaks about feeling pressured not
to wear his MAGA hat, saying the hat gives him "power" and makes him "feel like Superman." He draws connections between his personal feelings about masculine identity and his political choices.
Economic Development and Manufacturing
West transitions to discussing economic development and bringing manufacturing back to America. He shares his experience with Adidas, claiming that his involvement helped increase the company's market capitalization. He advocates for bringing manufacturing jobs to Chicago and the middle of America, describing this as more important than "any specific deal." He mentions Foxconn's factory setup and the importance of creating jobs with good wages.
West's Views on the 13th Amendment and Prison Reform
West expresses
controversial views about the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, calling it a "trap door." He explains his belief that the amendment was created by people who "didn't look like the people they were amending" and connects this to his views on the criminal justice system. He advocates for "pardons" rather than "sentences" and emphasizes the need to "talk to people."
Personal Health Revelations
West speaks about his mental health, revealing he was
diagnosed with bipolar disorder but later told by a neuropsychologist that he actually suffered from sleep deprivation. He expresses concern that this misdiagnosis could lead to dementia later in life. He ties this to pharmaceutical industry interests.
Design and Innovation Proposals
In a lighthearted moment, West presents a design for "iPlane1," described as a hydrogen-powered airplane that he believes the President should use instead of Air Force One. He advocates for American companies to work on such innovations. He then makes the statement that if the President "don't look good, we don't look good," suggesting the importance of presidential prestige.
Chicago Violence and "Stop and Frisk"
When asked what he would like Trump to do for Chicago, West mentions that "stop and frisk" policies damage community relationships in the city. He reiterates his advocacy for opening industries and creating tax breaks to help manufacturing compete with overseas production. He proposes "Trump factories" and "Yeezy ideation centers" that would combine education with practical skills. On gun violence specifically, West distinguishes between "illegal guns" as the problem rather than "legal guns."
Future Political Aspirations
When asked if West is a future presidential candidate, Trump says he "could very well be." West responds that it would be "2024" and only "after him," implying after Trump's potential second term. West then speaks philosophically about focusing on the present rather than the future, describing Trump as being on a "hero's journey."
Closing Comments and Energy in the Oval Office
The conversation concludes with Trump asking West how it feels to be in the Oval Office. West responds that there is "good energy" there. Trump emphasizes the significance of the meeting, stating that despite having other important meetings with senators that day, this was the meeting everyone wanted to discuss. The transcript ends with Trump inviting his guests to lunch.*There may be errors on this page.