Dwayne Johnson has been asked to be the next president of the United States

Dwayne Johnson has been asked to be the next president of the United States
Photo by Sonder Quest / Unsplash

Dwayne Johnson, the internationally renowned actor and former professional wrestler, has revealed that several political parties approached him in 2022 to inquire about a potential presidential run. This surprising revelation came during his appearance on Trevor Noah’s new Spotify podcast, "What Now?" As reported by Insider, Johnson discussed his thoughts on politics, his family commitments, and his career trajectory, including the intriguing proposal of entering the political arena.

Johnson’s flirtation with politics isn't entirely new. In past interviews, he had hinted at the possibility, though he consistently maintained that his responsibilities as a father were a primary concern, hindering any immediate political aspirations. However, the level of interest from political parties, as Johnson described, highlights the unique intersection of celebrity and politics in the United States.

During his conversation with Noah, a former “Daily Show” host, Johnson reflected on a 2021 political poll indicating that 46% of U.S. adults would support his presidential campaign. “That was an interesting poll that happened, and I was really moved by that,” Johnson stated. “I was really blown away and I was really honored.”

The actor went on to share more details about the overtures from political parties. “I got a visit from the parties asking me if I was going to run, and if I could run,” he said. “It was a big deal, and it came out of the blue. It was one after the other, and they brought up that poll, and they also brought up their own deep-dive research that would prove that should I ever go down that road [I’d be a real contender].”

Johnson's potential foray into politics dates back to 2017 when he told Variety that running for president was a “realistic consideration” for him. However, in a 2022 interview on “CBS Mornings,” he seemed to dismiss the idea, citing his dedication to fatherhood as his priority. “I love being a daddy, and that’s the most important thing to me,” he said at the time.

His recent conversation with Noah echoed these sentiments. Johnson opened up about his personal life, particularly his role as a father. “With my 22-year-old daughter, Simone, we like to say that we grew up together,” he explained. Reflecting on his time as a professional wrestler, he acknowledged the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life. “I know what it’s like to have that separation and not be there for the birthdays, for the pickups, the drop-offs, and everything else. And I don’t want that for my little ones now.”

Johnson’s discussion with the political parties also touched on this point, but they seemed to counter by highlighting how other politicians had managed such challenges. “That was one of my primary discussions with the parties, who were ultimately like, ‘Yeah, but the other ones have done it like this,’” he added.

Despite these political flirtations, Johnson continues to focus on his acting career. He recently appeared in “Fast X,” which opened in theaters in May, and is set to star in the upcoming Prime Video Christmas movie “Red One,” alongside Chris Evans.

Johnson’s revelation about being approached for a presidential run underscores the increasingly blurred lines between celebrity and political power in the United States. While he has yet to commit to a political career, his widespread popularity and the serious interest from political parties suggest that the idea of celebrities as political figures is no longer just a matter of speculative discussion. In a country where Ronald Reagan, a former actor, served as president, and where Donald Trump, a reality TV star, also held the highest office, the prospect of a President Dwayne Johnson is not as far-fetched as it might once have seemed.

As Johnson balances his family life with a thriving acting career, his potential political future remains a topic of fascination and speculation. Whether he ultimately decides to embark on this new path or continues to captivate audiences through his performances, Dwayne Johnson's influence and appeal, both in and potentially beyond the entertainment industry, remain undeniable. As America continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the role of celebrities and the influence of popular culture in shaping political discourse and leadership will undoubtedly remain a subject of interest and debate.