Is he serious?
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon says he is seriously considering a run for the White House in 2028, revealing that he has already spoken with political insiders about what it would take to launch a presidential campaign.
Lemon made the comments during an appearance on the Can’t Be Censored podcast, where hosts Travis Dhanraj and Karman Wong asked whether he had any political ambitions. Although the longtime television personality said he never planned on entering politics, he admitted that repeated encouragement from supporters has led him to take the idea seriously.
“I actually think I would be a really good president of the United States,” Lemon said.
When one of the hosts asked if he was joking, Lemon responded without hesitation.
“I’m totally serious,” he said.
Don Lemon Says a Campaign Should Be Driven by Voters
Lemon explained that if he ever launched a presidential campaign, he would want it to rely primarily on support from everyday Americans instead of large political donors.
According to Lemon, he would prefer a grassroots fundraising model built around small contributions from ordinary voters.
“I would like it to be a voter-citizen-driven campaign,” Lemon said. “I’d rather people across the country decide they want me and give five or ten dollars than depend on major donors.”
While acknowledging that larger donations could eventually become necessary, Lemon said he believes Americans are looking for candidates who are supported by citizens rather than wealthy special interests.
Lemon Takes Aim at President Trump
During the interview, Lemon also criticized President Donald Trump, arguing that the administration has not delivered enough economic benefits for working Americans.
He claimed Trump’s economic policies have primarily helped wealthier investors and those with sizable retirement accounts while leaving many middle-class families struggling with higher costs.
The White House quickly pushed back on Lemon’s remarks.
Responding to questions from Fox News Digital, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle dismissed the former CNN host’s comments, saying, “Don Lemon is a low-ratings loser that no one takes seriously.”
Former CNN Host Has Already Explored a Possible Run
Although Lemon stressed that he has not made a final decision, he acknowledged that he has already begun discussing the logistics of a potential campaign with people who have political experience.
“I’ve stuck my toe into it,” Lemon said. “I’ve talked to people who have been in politics before about what it would take and when I’d have to get in. I’d have to be really serious about it.”
For now, however, Lemon said his current projects remain his top priority.
“As we get closer to 2027 or 2028, I’ll see,” he said. “I’ll decide. But I have enough on my hands right now.”
Lemon Previously Floated the Idea Earlier This Year
This is not the first time Lemon has discussed the possibility of seeking the presidency.
During a March appearance on the Pod Save America podcast, he acknowledged that he had considered running and argued that he believes he could lead the country more effectively than President Trump.
“I think I could be president of the United States,” Lemon said during that interview. “I could definitely run this country better than Donald Trump.”
At the same time, Lemon admitted that launching a presidential campaign could dramatically change his life. He also argued that women and minority candidates often face greater political challenges than White male candidates.
Lemon added that if he ever decided to seek the presidency, he would likely change his political affiliation from independent to Democrat.
Will Don Lemon Run in 2028?
For now, Lemon insists he has not committed to entering the race. Still, his repeated public comments suggest the idea has moved beyond casual speculation.
Rather than dismissing the possibility outright, Lemon says he plans to continue evaluating whether a campaign makes sense as the 2028 presidential election approaches.
Whether he ultimately joins what is expected to be a crowded field remains to be seen. But after publicly stating more than once that he believes he could serve as president, the former CNN anchor has made clear that a White House bid is no longer off the table.
