Former CNN anchor Don Lemon, 59, recently suggested he could one day become President of the United States, claiming he would handle the job better than Donald Trump.
Speaking on the Pod Save America podcast, Lemon said he doesn’t currently have plans to run but insisted the idea is plausible if the right opportunity arises.
Lemon compared his potential political rise to Barack Obama, asking listeners to consider how unexpected Obama’s ascent once seemed.
“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,” he said.
He emphasized that thinking about running is reasonable, especially given current national challenges.
Since leaving CNN in 2023 after a 17-year tenure, Lemon has been hosting The Don Lemon Show on YouTube.
His remarks come amid legal troubles: in February 2026, he pleaded not guilty to charges connected to storming a Minneapolis church during an anti-ICE protest, where he and others allegedly interrupted a service.
Despite these controversies, Lemon framed his statements as aspirational, arguing that qualified voices should consider political leadership.
While he offered no detailed policy plans, his comments highlight a growing trend of media figures exploring political ambitions in the post-network era.
Observers note that Lemon’s public profile, previous media platform, and outspoken style could give him attention, but success in a presidential run would require navigating both legal issues and widespread public scrutiny.
For now, he frames it as a thought experiment, comparing himself to past figures who rose unexpectedly to political power.
The discussion raises questions about how media figures leverage visibility and controversy when considering a future in politics and how voters weigh experience versus celebrity.