- President Donald Trump predicted that social media influencer Jake Paul will run for political office.
- Paul has a history of celebrity boxing matches and co-founded a successful promotions company.
President Donald Trump has presented another opportunity to fact-check his public statements.
With the war on Iran raging and oil prices vacillating, Trump made a prediction – about Jake Paul. The 29-year-old boxer, podcaster, social media influencer, entrepreneur and former Disney Channel actor attended Trump’s March 11 rally in Kentucky.
At one point, Trump said of Paul, “I just want to say I predict, I’m going to make a prediction, that you will be in the not too distant future, running for political office, OK. And you have my complete and total endorsement, OK?’’
Jesse Ventura, the former pro wrestling star, was elected governor of Minnesota in 1999.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former body builder, was elected governor of California in 2003.
So how farfetched would it become for someone like Paul to pursue and win political office? Especially if you have the “total endorsement’’ of Trump and a knack for public speaking?
‘What Mr. Trump has taught me is courage,’ Paul said. ‘You know, we never backed down from a fight, even if they’re much bigger than you, much, much bigger than you. And I feel all the local Kentuckians feel the same way.’
But let’s stick with the facts – the facts of Trump’s remarks about Paul.
‘He’s a courageous guy’
True.
Well, courageous or crazy, or maybe both.
In December, the 6-foot Paul stepped into the boxing ring with Anthony Joshua, the 6-foot-6 Brit who is a two-time former heavyweight champion. Paul exited the ring with his jaw broken in two places by a knockout punch and was knocked down four times in all.
Back to courageous or crazy: Paul has said he intends to resume boxing a after his jaw heals.
‘A talented guy’
True.
You don’t buy a 5,700-acre estate in Georgia and live in a mansion in Puerto Rico without some talent.
Paul wasn’t nominated for an Emmy for his work as a Disney Channel actor. But his stint with the Disney Channel from 2005 to 2007 along with his YouTube pranks and boxing press conferences are clear evidence Paul is a talented actor. He also co-founded Most Valuable Promotions, which has elevated women’s professional boxing and partnered with Netflix on Paul’s fight with Tyson and other high-profile events.
‘A hell of a fighter too’
False.
Paul is 12-2 with 7 knockouts and, before his KO loss to Joshua, benefitted from careful matchmakers.
He built his record with victories over aging MMA fighters, an ancient Mike Tyson, a retired NBA player and a YouTuber.
This is not to say Paul is terrible boxer. But ‘a hell of a fighter’ is a big stretch.
The prediction: Jake Paul as politician
In Trump’s words, “I’m going to make a prediction that (Paul) will be in the not too distant future, running for political office.’
Of course, it’s premature to know if this is true or false, but early enough to speculate.
At the recent Winter Olympics, Paul attended a women’s hockey game.
He happened to be sitting next to Vice President JD Vance.
Is the Vance-Paul ticket coming in time for the 2028 elections?
Or might that be Paul-Vance?