A former network television anchor says he’s exploring a White House bid in 2028 and consulting with campaign professionals about what it would take to mount a credible effort, though he admits he lacks political experience.
Don Lemon, who was fired from CNN in 2023, told the “Can’t Be Censored” podcast in a July 2026 appearance that he’s been contacting operatives familiar with national campaign mechanics. Despite never holding elected office, Lemon said he’s confident he could handle the presidency.
“So, as we get closer to 2027 or 2028, I’ll see. I’ll decide,” he said, noting that his current commitments are already keeping him very busy.
People have urged him to enter the race, and Lemon told the podcast he would excel in the role of chief executive. But several requirements must be met before he commits, he said.
From Anchor Desk to Independent Voice
Lemon began working at CNN in 2006 and became a prominent on-air presence before his termination. His dismissal came after he remarked on air that then-Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was past her “prime,” coupled with a Variety report that detailed allegations of misogyny toward women at the network. He now works as an independent commentator.
His time outside traditional media has included friction with authorities. In January, Lemon faced arrest on federal civil rights charges following his recording of video at a protest held at a Minnesota house of worship led by a clergyman employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The incident highlighted his shift from studio broadcasting to direct engagement with polarizing national issues.
A Campaign Without Fundraising
Money represents the central obstacle, Lemon explained. He wants to run “without having to beg for money,” though he acknowledged that goal may prove unrealistic given how modern presidential campaigns function. Instead, he described building a movement sustained by grassroots support and everyday citizens rather than exhaustive donor cultivation.
Small contributions of $5 or $10 from average Americans, rather than big checks, would fuel his hypothetical campaign, Lemon said, citing financial strain facing many households. A social media post promoting the interview portrayed his idea as a voter-driven effort, not one weighed down by fundraising tedium.
No announcement will come before 2027, Lemon said, describing his current outreach as exploratory. He’s spoken with individuals versed in campaign operations to understand the demands and timeline necessary for a serious run.
Lemon characterized himself as “totally serious” about the possibility, though he stressed that numerous factors would shape his ultimate choice.
Not the Only Media Name Floated
Other broadcasters have faced similar speculation. In March, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith downplayed talk of a presidential run, stating he has no interest in becoming a politician and wouldn’t abandon his career for such a pursuit, though he said he’d entertain the notion only if he thought victory was achievable. Former “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert said in December that he grasps why some want him to seek office but emphasized he “absolutely” should not.
The string of high-profile media figures dipping toes into political discussion points to voter appetite for celebrity candidates with built-in name recognition over traditional political résumés. Whether any can convert fame into a functional campaign remains uncertain, as none has moved beyond talk.
Lemon’s proposition represents a steep challenge: a newcomer with zero electoral history attempting to win the nation’s top job while rejecting the fundraising infrastructure that normally supports such ventures. He appears cognizant of the daunting odds while maintaining he’s earnest. If his statements hold, voters will determine whether his preliminary steps evolve into a full-fledged campaign.
For the moment, his posture is one of possibility rather than commitment. He’s engaged political insiders, sketched an unconventional financial model and framed the potential candidacy as answering public calls rather than personal ambition. But he’s also been explicit that the final call rests with him and won’t arrive until 2027 or 2028.