Former CNN anchor Don Lemon said he has considered a possible run for president, stating during a podcast interview that he believes he could lead the country more effectively than President Donald Trump, as reported by The New York Post.
Lemon, 59, made the remarks Sunday while appearing on the “Pod Save America” podcast, where he discussed his political views and future ambitions.
“I think I could be president of the United States,” Lemon said.
Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?
“Do I ever think about it? Yes. Could it happen? Yeah, it could happen if the opportunity presented itself, the right opportunity presented itself. Look, if I wanted to … I know people are going to think I’m crazy.”
He continued, “I could definitely run this country better than Donald Trump,” though he did not outline specific policies or plans.
Lemon also reflected on the possibility of unconventional candidates reaching the presidency, referencing former President Barack Obama.
“Did anybody think Barack Obama, as he says, this guy with a funny name is from a mixed background, did anybody ever think that he would become president, that he had that aspiration?” Lemon said.
FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest
He added that while he is not actively pursuing a campaign, the idea remains something he has considered.
“I don’t have an aspiration to become president, but I do think that I could run this country a lot better than Donald Trump,” Lemon said.
“Look, why can’t I think about running for office? Why can’t I think about being President of the United States when I look at what we have?”
Lemon’s comments come after his departure from CNN in 2023, ending a 17-year tenure at the network. Since then, he has launched “The Don Lemon Show,” which is distributed on YouTube.
Recent developments involving Lemon have also drawn attention. In February, he pleaded not guilty to charges connected to an incident at a church in Minnesota.
Authorities allege that Lemon was involved in an event at Cities Church in St. Paul, where a group of anti-ICE protesters entered the church during a Jan. 18 service.
The incident occurred after protesters learned that the church’s pastor worked for an immigration agency.
Lemon has been accused of depriving parishioners of their constitutional rights during the disruption. He has denied wrongdoing and has described the case against him as unfounded.
Since the charges were filed, Lemon has continued to criticize the Trump administration and has said he intends to fight what he described as “baseless charges.”
His remarks about a potential presidential bid add to ongoing public commentary following his exit from network television and his involvement in the Minnesota case.
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Objectivist. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
Share your opinion
COMMENT POLICY: We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, vulgarity, hard-core profanity, all caps, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain a courteous and useful public environment!