President Donald Trump met with rapper Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., better known as Lil Wayne, this week in Miami, Fl. The meeting — which is the latest in a number of meetings that Trump has held with pop culture celebrities like Kanye West and Kim Kardashian — came less than a week before the election.
The rapper tweeted news of the meeting on Thursday evening, writing, “Just had a great meeting with Donald Trump besides what he’s done so far with criminal reform, the platinum plan is going to give the community real ownership.”
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. He listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done. 🤙🏾 pic.twitter.com/Q9c5k1yMWf
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) October 29, 2020
During a press gaggle with reporters, Trump said, “[Lil’ Wayne] wanted a meeting, he’s a really nice guy. He’s really an activist in a very positive way.”
The president continued, “And he asked for a meeting and we had the meeting and as you saw, the meeting went very well.”
President @realDonaldTrump on his meeting with @LilTunechi pic.twitter.com/uxs5WW6ErD
— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) October 30, 2020
Rapper 50 Cent also endorsed Trump and rapper and actor Ice Cube said he is working with the White House on their plan for Black Americans.
During a conversation with reporters on Thursday, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said about how the meeting came together, “There’s just been conversations that have been going on for quite some time. I mean, I think the President -— you’re seeing a number of people come in and support him because his accomplishments speak for themselves.”
While Lil Wayne has never shown such direct support for the president, the rapper has criticized Black Lives Matter before. In a 2016 interview, he said of the movement “I don’t feel connected to a damn thing that ain’t got nothin’ to do with me.”
During the earlier stages of his career, the rapper was critical of former President George Bush, opening a song with a dedication to the president before bashing him for his handling of Hurricane Katrina — the rapper grew up in New Orleans.