Trump Team: Kanye West Not Right Fit for ‘Traditionally American’ Inauguration

Kanye West was not invited to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration because, according to a spokesman for the president-elect, the rapper’s music wasn’t right for the “typically and traditionally American event.” Appearing Wednesday evening on CNN’s OutFront, Trump inaugural official Tom Barrack told host Erin Burnett that the inauguration is “not the venue” for West, and that “the venue we have for entertainment is filled out, it’s perfect, it’s going to be typically and traditionally American.” Barrack insisted that West is a fan of Trump following their December meetup at Trump Tower, which included a private discussion and an awkwardly stiff photo-op in the lobby afterward. West was born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago and is one of the bestselling rap artists of all time.