Before assuming the role of POTUS, Donald Trump gained fame through a reality show and catchy phrases. While not the sole nontraditional candidate, such as actors Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Trump’s unconventional presidency inspired other celebrities to express presidential aspirations. Various famous individuals contemplating a presidential run cite diverse motivations. Some genuinely believe in their ability to lead. In contrast, others playfully hint at it, amusing their fans who envision them as capable presidents. Celebrities, from rappers to social media figures, have playfully threatened or seriously considered running for the highest office. A YouGov poll shows who’d be famous as the next American celebrity President.
Tom Hanks
While hosting Saturday Night Live in 2017, Dwayne Johnson’s presidential run announcement prompted Tom Hanks to declare himself as the Rock’s running mate. However, Meryl Streep suggested Hanks lead the ticket, emphasizing his expertise in history and statesmanship: “Tom should be president.” Despite these playful remarks, Hanks doesn’t appear to be genuinely contemplating a run, expressing skepticism about voting solely based on someone’s ability to deliver a compelling speech: “Just because I’m an actor, I can give a good speech, I agree. But the concept of voting for someone just because they can do that?”
George Clooney
In a 2017 Venice Film Festival press conference, George Clooney responded humorously when asked about aspiring to be the next President: “Would I like to be the next President? Oh, that sounds like fun.” Playfully adding to the jest, Matt Damon expressed a general wish for anyone to promptly become the next president: “Can I just say that I’d like anybody to be the next president of the United States? Right away, please.” Despite the lighthearted banter, Clooney has conveyed his preference for non-celebrities in politics, expressing hope to discover someone with a deep understanding of policy matters.
Ron Perlman
The day after the 2016 election, Ron Perlman, known for his roles in Hellboy and Sons of Anarchy, made a significant declaration on Facebook. He utilized his substantial Facebook presence to formally declare his candidacy for the 2020 United States presidency. While the announcement may have hinted at jest, Perlman’s disdain for President Trump is evident. In a 2017 tweet directed at Trump, Perlman asserted, “I’m smarter, better looking, and love this country more than you. Not for how it can enrich me and a few of my friends, but how it can enrich our smallest who dream big and play fair.”
Howard Schultz
Having once positioned Starbucks stores on nearly every corner across the nation, the former CEO ponders the prospect of assuming a leadership role for the country. Addressing the idea in 2016, he expressed, “I’m a young man… I would never say never.” However, in a 2018 interview, Schultz dispelled any notions of a 2020 run, emphasizing his current focus on private citizenry. He affirmed, “I am doing everything I possibly can as a private citizen to advance the cause of the country.” Comparably goes into the salaries of all Starbucks’ CEOs. Most of them could easily fund a presidential campaign.
Katy Perry
In July 2015, Katy Perry shared an Instagram snapshot alongside former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, playfully musing about her potential presidential designation with the caption “42, 43, 46?!” speculating about her hypothetical future presidential number. Despite the post’s light-hearted speculation, Perry hasn’t pursued any concrete plans for a political career. Meanwhile, Billboard explores the prospect of 10 other musicians who could ascend to the presidency.
Chris Rock
Shortly after the 2016 election of Donald Trump, Chris Rock took to Twitter, hinting at his potential candidacy in 2020. Accompanied by an image from his 2003 film, Head of State, portraying a presidential candidate, Rock left the tweet without any subsequent comments, leaving room for speculation on whether it was a timely one-liner.
Kanye West
Amid the 2016 election fervor, Kanye West expressed his intention to run for President in 2020 during an interview with the BBC. Following a meeting with Donald Trump post-election, he deferred his presidential aspirations to 2024. West justified this decision with a tweet emphasizing the need for direct communication with the future President for effective change. Subsequently, on December 13, 2016, he cryptically tweeted, “#2024.” In 2022, West again hinted at a 2024 presidential bid, announcing his intention, though formal filing still needs to be completed.
Mark Zuckerberg
In 2017, Zuckerberg generated a series of Facebook posts with language reminiscent of a political campaign, fueling widespread speculation about a potential presidential run. Despite his repeated denials of running for office, his extensive visits to all 50 states and the hiring of campaign managers intensified rumors regarding Facebook’s political aspirations. Recent revelations of a Facebook data breach, allegedly contributing to Russian interference in the 2016 election, may have altered the trajectory of such speculations.
Alec Baldwin
While often impersonating Donald Trump on SNL, Alec Baldwin contemplates his ability to serve as President. In 2017, he expressed confidence in his presidential capabilities. Yet, Baldwin acknowledged uncertainty due to the outcomes of the 2016 election, questioning if Trump had left room for nontraditional candidates.
Oprah Winfrey
Following her impactful speech at the 2018 Golden Globes, Oprah Winfrey garnered widespread support for a potential presidential run, and reports suggested she was contemplating it. However, Winfrey clarified her stance, expressing that the presidency doesn’t hold her interest, stating, “It’s not something that interests me. I don’t have the DNA for it.” She mentioned her friend Gayle, who consistently inquired about her potential candidacy, recounting encounters with people asking, “When’s Oprah going to run?”
Roseanne Barr
Having ventured into presidential candidacy in 2012, Roseanne Barr contemplates another run, though her intentions remain unclear. She expressed confidence in her abilities, asserting, “I think I would be a better president than Oprah and Susan Sarandon, and possibly even President Trump,” in response to discussions about Oprah’s potential candidacy in 2018. Mashable outlines celebrities who may not be suited for the role of President.
Jesse Ventura
Despite his background as a professional wrestler and past role as Minnesota’s governor, Jesse “The Body” Ventura has attracted attention for a potential presidential run. In a 2016 interview, he stated, “I’m considering it, that’s all.” While Ventura hasn’t outlined specific intentions for a 2020 bid, enthusiasts have initiated a Change.org petition urging him to enter the race.
Elon Musk
While barred by the Constitution from seeking the U.S. presidency, Elon Musk’s name circulates as a possible candidate. In 2022, Musk shared his political stance, expressing a preference for a sensible and centrist candidate in 2024. Musk signaled support for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis when questioned about potential candidates.
Will Smith
In 1997, amidst a series of blockbuster hits, including Men in Black and Independence Day, Will Smith hinted at the possibility of a presidential run within a decade, humorously tying it to his ambition for an NBA championship. Although neither materialized, he revisited the idea during the 2016 election, expressing concern about the political landscape. When questioned again in 2021 on the Pod Save America podcast, Smith deferred any immediate plans for a presidential bid, suggesting he’d contemplate it after the political landscape undergoes some cleanup.
Kevin Hart
In August 2012, Kevin Hart shared a tweet entertaining the idea of running for President, humorously claiming to have the appearance required for the role. Later in 2017, when questioned about Dwayne Johnson’s potential candidacy, Hart responded in jest, stating, “If Dwayne Johnson runs for president, I will be running for president the same year.” However, Hart’s remarks were in good humor, and he wholeheartedly supports Johnson’s potential presidential aspirations should Johnson decide to pursue them.
Dwayne Johnson
In 2017, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson openly entertained the idea of a 2020 presidential run, mentioning it during his Saturday Night Live hosting gig. However, Johnson clarified that the consideration stemmed from public desire rather than his personal inclination. In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, he acknowledged, “I can tell you with all honesty that the consideration comes at the desire from a large number of people that would like to see this happen.” Balancing potential political aspirations with his thriving acting career, Johnson noted the challenge of starring in numerous blockbuster franchises. He suggested a more realistic consideration for 2024, emphasizing his deep commitment to family and his role as a father. Despite the flattering attention, he firmly stated, “I’m not a politician, nor have I ever aspired to be one.” His focus remained steadfastly on his family.
Bob Iger
Despite not being widely recognized, Disney CEO Bob Iger reportedly entertained thoughts of a presidential run spurred by encouragement from friends. 2016, he acknowledged, “Many people have urged me to seek political office.” However, Iger extended his contract with Disney the following year, seemingly eliminating the possibility of a run. He clarified on Good Morning America, “I’m sticking around until the end of 2021, so you do the math.” While Iger briefly stepped away from Disney, his reinstatement in November 2022 indicates a commitment extending beyond the initial two years he had mentioned. This timeline likely rules out any potential 2024 presidential aspirations.
Mark Cuban
Like Donald Trump, Mark Cuban, a billionaire celebrity known for a successful reality show, hinted at the possibility of a presidential run. In a 2017 CNBC interview, he expressed active consideration, emphasizing the need for improved leadership in response to global and national developments: “Based off what’s happening in the White House, based off what’s happening in the country and the world, we need better leadership. And I could do a better job.” Despite these musings, the Shark Tank star acknowledged a substantial “90% chance” that he wouldn’t pursue a presidential bid, citing his wife’s disapproval.
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