Rapper Lil Wayne on Thursday generated social media buzz by announcing he had met with President Donald Trump and supported Trump’s “Platinum Plan” to assist Black Americans.
“Just had a great meeting with @realdonaldtrump @potus besides what he’s done so far with criminal reform, the platinum plan is going to give the community real ownership,” the rapper tweeted. “He listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done.”
Reaction has been varied, with some critics mocking the rapper or tweeting “Not Wayne.” Among the critics: Rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who tweeted, “I would have never took this picture.”
Meanwhile, some conservatives spun Lil Wayne’s support as another example of Black entertainers stepping away from Democrats — a key part of Trump’s reelection message.
Some confusingly cited 50 Cent as a pro-Trump example: “Lil Wayne, following in the footsteps of Kanye and 50 Cent, just endorsed President Trump,” tweeted conservative political commentator Michael Knowles. “Rappers are now Republicans. What a time to be alive.”
The same list of entertainers was cited by conservative J.T. Lewis, as he exclaimed: “Rappers are Republicans?!?!“
Many previous examples of high-profile Black entertainers endorsing Trump have been surrounded by public backtracking and misinformation. That was the case with both 50 Cent and Kanye West.
50 Cent appeared to endorse Trump on his Instagram in mid-October, citing Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s tax plan. But then he backtracked in a later Twitter post, saying “I never liked him.”Â
Kanye famously publicly supported Trump before appearing to reverse his support as he set out on his own presidential campaign.
Adding to the confusion, Trump’s son Eric recently tweeted, then deleted, an altered photo of rappers Ice Cube and 50 Cent in pro-Trump hats.
Meanwhile, Ice Cube has been widely criticized for working with Trump on what he said is a plan to help Black Americans. Then the rapper defended the move while distancing himself from Trump in an interview with “Fox News Sunday” host Chris Wallace.Â
“I’m not playing no more of these political games,” he told Wallace. “I’m going to whoever’s in power and I’m going to speak to them about our problems.Â
Contributing: Alia E. Dastagir William Cummings and Rasha Ali, USA TODAY.
