Kanye West performs at the Youth Ball during the first inauguration of President Obama. (H. Darr Beiser/USA TODAY)

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest has a policy of not commenting on the candidacies — or possible candidacies — of people who want to be president.

But after rapper Kanye West announced at the Video Music Awards Sunday that he’s decided to run for president in 2020, Earnest couldn’t help himself.

“Let me just say I look forward to seeing what slogan he chooses to embroider on his campaign hat,” said Earnest told reporters aboard Air Force One Monday — an apparent reference to Republican candidate Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign hats.

West dropped some hints about his campaign themes in his VMA speech, saying, “I don’t know what I stand to lose after this. It don’t matter though, because it ain’t about me. It’s about ideas, bro. New ideas. People with ideas. People who believe in truth,” he said. ““And yes, as you probably could have guessed by this moment, I have decided in 2020 to run for president.”

As two iconic figures of the early 21st century, West and Obama have had an relationship of mutual respect, if not friendship. West has claimed the president calls him at home to chat, but Obama told talk show host Jimmy Kimmel this year that’s not true.

“I met Kanye twice. The first time was when I was a senator and he was with his mom and he had just gotten big,” Obama said. “And then about six months ago he came to an event. I love his music,” Obama responded. “I don’t think I’ve got his home number.”

“I love Obama,” West responded. “He called our house before. He knows that. Don’t try to pit us against each other.”