President Donald Trump said on July 20 that he had spoken on the phone with the Swedish Prime Minister about rapper A$AP Rocky, adding that he had offered to “personally vouch” for the New York artist’s bail.
Trump said during the call, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven assured him that the rapper will be treated fairly.
The president said the issue was first brought to his attention by his wife, as well as his African-American friends who had personally called him for help to release the artist.
“Actually, the one that knew about A$AP Rocky first was our First Lady. She told me, ‘Can you help A$AP Rocky?’” Trump said before asking Melania if she wanted to make a statement.
Melania said she had been working with the State Department to get the rapper released. Rocky was born in Harlem, New York City.
“We hope to get him home soon,” she said.
Trump noted the good relationship he had with Sweden’s leadership and said they have “already started” talks with them in relation to the rapper’s situation.
“I personally don’t know A$AP Rocky, but I can tell you that he has tremendous support from the African American community in this country,” he added. “When I say African American, I think I can really say from everybody in this country because we’re all one.”
“I have been called by so many people to help A$AP Rocky,” the president said.
“Your commitment to justice reform is so appreciated,” she added in the Twitter post.
Löfven issued a statement earlier on July 20 saying he would be glad to speak with Trump about A$AP Rocky’s detention but that his government “cannot and will not attempt to influence prosecutors or courts.”
“I understand that President Trump has a personal interest in the case. ... He has expressed the desire for a conversation with me, which is certainly positive,” Löfven said. “I will explain that the Swedish judicial system is independent. In Sweden, everyone is equal before the law, and this includes visitors from other countries.”
