Full Breakdown
Don Lemon Signals Possible 2028 Presidential Bid
7/18/2026, 1:21:58 AM
Potential 2028 Presidential Run
Former CNN anchor and independent journalist Don Lemon told hosts Karman Wong and Travis Dhanraj on the “Can’t Be Censored” podcast that he is “serious” about a possible run for president in the 2028 election. Lemon said he would aim to win the White House without relying on large political donors, emphasizing a grassroots-funded campaign.
Background and Recent Activities
Lemon was dismissed from CNN in April 2023 and has since rebranded as an independent journalist, hosting “The Don Lemon Show” on YouTube. He is married to real-estate agent Tim Malone and publicly came out as gay in 2011. In January 2024, Lemon was arrested alongside anti-ICE activists during a protest at a Minnesota church and faced federal civil-rights charges. These recent experiences, Lemon says, moved him “out of the bubble” of cable news and into direct voter contact, shaping his current political aspirations.
Official Statements from Don Lemon
Lemon described his candidacy as a response to persistent public inquiries: “No, but people keep asking me if I’m running for president… I might. I’m serious.” He argued that prior presidents, including Donald Trump, lacked traditional political experience, noting that “experience isn’t necessarily a requirement to be commander-in-chief.” Lemon also stressed that a campaign should be financed by ordinary Americans rather than major donors, stating he would prefer supporters to contribute “five or 10 dollars – something that doesn’t break the bank.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “And I don’t know. I might. I’m serious. I don’t know. I might, because people keep asking me to do it, or if I’m going to do it.” — Don Lemon
- “I actually think I would be a really good president of the United States.” — Don Lemon
- “I would rather the people of the United States say, ‘That’s the guy we want,’ and give five or 10 dollars – something that doesn’t break the bank.” — Don Lemon
- “could have done a better job if he actually listened to people, but he doesn’t and he thinks he knows everything.” — Don Lemon (referring to former President Donald Trump)
