Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has indicated he is seriously considering a presidential run in 2028, citing a perceived lack of strong competition and suggesting he could be a capable leader.
"I actually think I would be a really good president of the United States," Lemon stated in a poolside interview released Wednesday. He described the idea of running as enticing, particularly given the current political landscape. "It seems in this day and age you don't have to have a ton of political experience," he commented, referencing the current president.
Lemon, who was dismissed from CNN in 2023, suggested that a campaign could be "citizen-driven" and ideally operate without extensive fundraising. He expressed a preference for individual, smaller donations from the public, such as "$5 or $10," rather than relying on large contributions, especially given the current economic climate. He also asserted that the current president "is not doing a great job for the working-class."
The interview occurred outside Lemon's home in Sag Harbor and was conducted by Travis Dhanraj and Karman Wong of Can't Be Censored. Lemon was pressed about political ambitions following his departure from CNN, which he described as being "fired."
Lemon's tenure at CNN concluded after a series of controversies. In February 2023, he made remarks about women over 40 being past their prime, sparking significant backlash. Earlier, he had faced criticism for comments regarding women's soccer. A lawsuit alleging assault by a Hampton bartender was dropped in 2022 after the accuser stated his recollection of events had changed.
In addition to his media career, Lemon is currently facing federal charges related to an anti-immigration protest he documented in St. Paul, Minnesota, in January. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of churchgoers, maintaining he was acting as a journalist and that the suit is an infringement on his rights. He was with CNN for 17 years before his departure.