Don Lemon Considered Future Presidential Run

The independent journalist suggested he has a high probability of running for office during his lifetime.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Elections

Don Lemon Considered Future Presidential Run

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Should media personalities run for president?

Independent journalist Don Lemon expressed that he has a 65 to 70 percent chance of running for president. He revealed these presidential aspirations during an appearance on the UNCLOSETED podcast.

Why it matters

Lemon stated that he would pursue a presidential campaign if he determines that running for the nation's highest office is the most effective way to serve the American people. He based this potential decision on feedback he has gathered from the public while covering political candidates.

Don Lemon estimated a 65 to 70 percent probability that he will mount a bid for the U.S. presidency at some point in his life. The exact timeline for such an endeavor remains unknown as the journalist currently operates as an independent media figure.

The players

Don Lemon

Don Lemon is an American independent journalist who previously spent years as a high-profile news anchor at CNN.

UNCLOSETED

UNCLOSETED is a digital media podcast platform that features interviews and discussions on a variety of current events and cultural topics.

The details

The comments surfaced during a candid interview on the UNCLOSETED podcast where Lemon discussed his evolving professional trajectory. He noted that his exposure to various political campaigns and interactions with voters has influenced his thinking regarding a potential career shift into electoral politics.

Don Lemon discussed his potential presidential run during an October 2026 podcast appearance.

Political Context

This move mirrors the trend established by the 2016 presidential run of Donald Trump, where prominent media personalities have transitioned into political candidates by leveraging their established public platforms. Critics often argue that candidates lacking traditional government or legislative experience may face significant hurdles in navigating complex federal policy frameworks.

For the average citizen, the entry of media personalities into the political arena often shifts the focus of campaign discourse toward celebrity-driven topics rather than technical policy. Voters may observe an increase in grassroots debate regarding whether professional journalists possess the necessary administrative experience to hold executive office.

The takeaway

Lemon’s public consideration of a presidential bid highlights the ongoing blurring lines between media commentary and political candidacy. Prospective voters should evaluate whether the skills honed in journalism translate to the administrative demands of governing at a federal level.