Trump urges Jake Paul to enter politics: ‘You have my complete and total endorsement’

Jake Paul went viral after criticizing Bad Bunny’s halftime show as 'un-American' and urging viewers to turn off the broadcast in protest
UPDATED MAR 12, 2026
Jake Paul said he grew up near Hebron and told the audience the US needs more thriving factories like the one President Donald Trump visited (Getty Images)
Jake Paul said he grew up near Hebron and told the audience the US needs more thriving factories like the one President Donald Trump visited (Getty Images)


HEBRON, KENTUCKY: President Donald Trump encouraged US boxer and influencer Jake Paul to consider seeking political office during a rally in Kentucky on Wednesday, March 11.

The president introduced Paul to the crowd and praised his courage and public voice. Trump later predicted that Paul could run for political office in the near future and offered his endorsement during the event.

President Donald Trump greets Jake Paul at Verst Logistics Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Hebron, Ky. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Donald Trump greets Jake Paul at Verst Logistics Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Hebron, Ky (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump praises Jake Paul and predicts a political future

During the rally, Trump introduced Jake Paul and said that he had asked him to appear on his podcast, adding, “His local podcast is big stuff, and he’s big stuff, This guy has guts.” Trump then invited the Paul onstage in front of the audience.

Despite appearing nervous and sweating slightly, Paul addressed the crowd briefly. He offered words of support for Trump, thanked the audience, and prepared to leave the stage. At that moment, Trump publicly suggested that he could enter politics.

Trump said, “He’s a great guy, he’s a courageous guy, he’s a talented guy, He’s a hell of a fighter too, by the way. 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."

President Donald Trump listens as Jake Paul speaks at Verst Logistics Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Hebron, Ky. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Donald Trump listens as Jake Paul speaks at Verst Logistics Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Hebron, Ky. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

He then added, "And you have my complete and total endorsement! That’s what we want. He’s an incredible guy, lots of courage and smarts.” Paul has previously voiced support for Trump and his administration.

In February, he went viral after criticizing Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny’s halftime show, calling it "un-American." Paul posted on X that viewers should switch off the broadcast in protest.

Paul wrote, “Purposefully turning off the halftime show, Let’s rally together and show big corporations they can’t just do whatever they want without consequences. You are their benefit. Realize you have power. Turn off this halftime. A fake American citizen who publicly hates America. I cannot support that.”

Republican congressional candidate Ed Gallerin shakes hands with President Donald Trump at Verst Logistics Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Hebron, Ky. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Republican congressional candidate Ed Gallerin shakes hands with President Donald Trump at Verst Logistics Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Hebron, Ky (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Jake Paul credits Trump for teaching courage

Addressing the rally crowd, Paul said Trump had influenced his outlook. “What Trump has taught me is courage. We never back down from a fight, even if they’re much bigger than you,” he said.

During the event, Paul also spoke about his upbringing and his connection to the area. He said he grew up a few hours away from the rally venue at Verst Logistics in Hebron. He told the audience that the country needs more factories thriving like the one Trump was visiting.

Paul said, “My dad taught me to fight, and all of our voices matter in America, I’m never afraid to speak the truth.” He added that the people of Kentucky shared the same fighting spirit and said, “You guys have that fight. You guys have that swag.”

Trump also used the rally to criticize Rep Thomas Massie calling him “a disaster for our party.” Trump has repeatedly criticized Massie for his positions on foreign wars, domestic spending, and the handling of the Epstein files.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 11: U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) speaks to reporters following a series of votes at the U.S. Capitol on March 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. The House passed a bill to avert a Friday government shutdown by a 217-213 vote largely along party lines. The bill now moves to the Senate where it will need help from Democrats to move it past a filibuster. Massie was the sole Republican member who opposed the legislation. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Thomas Massie speaks to reporters following a series of votes at the US Capitol on March 11, 2025 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Trump instead praised Ed Gallrein, who is challenging Massie for his seat in the primaries. After criticizing Massie, Trump brought Gallrein onstage to address the audience, where Gallrein thanked Trump for his endorsement and said the support had “skyrocketed” his campaign.

“As you folks know, you deserve an authentic, true Republican conservative that stands shoulder to shoulder with our president and the Republican Party and against the Democrats who are trying to destroy our nation,” Gallrein said.

“Mr President, I will stand with you and the party to put America first and Kentucky always,” he added. Earlier in the rally, Trump focused his remarks on the economy, pointing to tax cuts and commitments to build new factories in the US.

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