Trump dines with Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes and rapper Ye after announcing presidential bid


Former President Donald Trump dined this past week with white nationalist Nick Fuentes and rapper Ye — formally known as Kanye West — at his Mar-a-Lago resort, sources familiar with the matter told Axios.
The meal comes just one week after the former president officially launched his third bid for the presidency, and featured Trump conversing with two of the most controversial figures in today's media. Fuentes, a self-proclaimed Holocaust denier described by The New York Times as "one of the country's most prominent young white supremacists," is an outspoken supporter of the former president. Ye, meanwhile, has received condemnation for his antisemitic statements, and has lost a number of endorsements as a result of his comments.
Following news of the meeting, a source told CNN that Fuentes had arrived as a guest of Ye's, and that Trump had not invited him. It remains unclear how much Trump knew of Fuentes prior to the meal, however, sources also told Axios that the former president "seemed very taken" with Fuentes, describing "a lot of fawning back and forth."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that he did not know Fuentes prior to the meeting, stating, "This past week, Kanye West called me to have dinner at Mar-a-Lago. Shortly thereafter, he unexpectedly showed up with three of his friends, whom I knew nothing about. We had dinner on Tuesday evening with many members present on the back patio."
Trump reiterated on Friday that he "didn't know" Fuentes.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
El Palace Barcelona: old-world luxury in the heart of the city
The Week Recommends This historic hotel is set within a former Ritz outpost moments from the Passeig de Gràcia
-
The best history books to read in 2025
The Week Recommends These fascinating deep-dives are perfect for history buffs
-
July 4 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Friday’s political cartoons include the danger of talking politics at a family picnic, and disappearing Medicaid entitlements
-
How will Trump's megabill affect you?
Today's Big Question Republicans have passed the 'big, beautiful bill' through Congress
-
Judge blocks Trump's asylum ban at US border
Speed Read The president violated federal law by shutting down the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers, said the ruling
-
How successful would Elon Musk's third party be?
Today's Big Question Musk has vowed to start a third party after falling out with Trump
-
Thai court suspends prime minister over leaked call
Speed Read Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended, pending an ethics investigation
-
Senate passes GOP megabill after Alaska side deal
The pivotal yes vote came from Sen. Lisa Murkowski, whose support was secured following negotiated side deals for her home state Alaska
-
How would the Trump administration denaturalize immigrant citizens?
Today's Big Question Using civil courts lowers the burden of proof
-
'Trucking is a dangerous business'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Trump sues LA over immigration policies
Speed Read He is suing over the city's sanctuary law, claiming it prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities