Sen. Rick Scott Sends Letter to Tampa Leaders Demanding Taxpayer Dollars Are Not Spent Platforming Antisemite Kanye West

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the Tampa Sports Authority Board of Directors regarding the use of taxpayer dollars to support Kanye West's upcoming concert at Raymond James Stadium. In the letter, Senator Scott argues that a publicly funded stadium should not be used to give platforms to West, given his history as a raging antisemite, and demands that taxpayer-funded resources not be used to aid his performance.

As a longtime advocate for Florida's Jewish community, Senator Scott has opposed using taxpayer dollars to give any support to those who spread hate in any way, especially those who push antisemitism.

Read the full letter HERE or below.

Dear Directors:

The Raymond James Stadium is a publicly owned venue made to be safe and serve the interests of the Hillsborough County and Tampa residents. What happens there and who performs is accountable to the taxpayers that fund it, which is why I am writing regarding the upcoming concerts headlined by Kanye West from June 26th to June 29th.

Kanye West's consistent antisemitic attacks are an affront to the values of the people of the Hillsborough community. He has openly praised Nazis, called himself one, and slandered Jews across the world. Kanye West also funded a Superbowl ad in 2025 that directed viewers to purchase merchandise featuring swastikas. West's remarks are vile and a slap in the face to our state's Jewish community. It is troubling that a stadium supported by taxpayer dollars would openly subsidize an event led by an artist known for pushing this dangerous, hateful rhetoric, especially with Florida having one of the largest Jewish populations in our country.

West has been condemned by political figures across the political aisle. His outbursts and hate have helped to mainstream antisemitism. He was recently barred from performing in the United Kingdom due to offensive antisemitic remarks. I urge you to carefully review this decision, given the fact that taxpayer dollars are helping the show go on.

I am confident that the Tampa Sports Authority will continue fostering a safe and inclusive community, especially for Jewish Floridians. No taxpayer dollars should be used to give a vocal antisemite a stage in Florida, and I am sure that you will take appropriate action to make sure that doesn't happen. What we spend public money on reflects our values, and using dollars from hardworking families to platform a hateful person pushing evil ideologies is not a Florida value.

My team stands ready to assist with accessing any resources needed in addressing this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for your dedication to the well-being of the Hillsborough community.

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