Donald Trump officially endorses Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul for political office during rally
Updated . First published at
Donald Trump has briefly turned his attention from the conflict in Iran to endorse YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul for political office.
The US president invited his "friend" Paul on stage during a rally in Kentucky and made a bold prediction about the 29-year-old's future in Congress.
Paul has already made several drastic career U-turns after transitioning from a Disney Channel actor to social media influencer, before turning to professional boxing.
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Donald Trump officially endorsed Jake Paul for Congress during a rally in Kentucky. AP
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"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," Trump told Paul, adding that he is an "incredible guy".
"And you have my complete and total endorsement, OK?''
Trump's declaration prompted applause and cheers from the audience.
While introducing Paul – brother of fellow internet star Logan Paul – to the stage, Trump praised his prowess in the boxing ring.
Paul won six consecutive fights early in his boxing career, before his streak ended in a loss to Tommy Fury in 2023.
The US president invited his "friend" Paul on stage, praising his talent as a boxer and his fiancee. CNN
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He went on to beat boxing legend Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in an eight-round heavyweight exhibition match in 2024.
Trump described Paul as a "hell of a fighter" and a "tough cookie" before making mention of his fiancee, Dutch Olympic speed skater Jutta Leerdam, who won gold at Milano Cortina 2026.
"He's got a brand new beautiful fiancee. And you're not allowed to use the word beautiful when describing women anymore," Trump said.
"It's the end of your political career, but I'll say it anyway.
"What the hell? She's beautiful. She just won the Olympic gold medal."
Paul won six consecutive fights in his early boxing career. AP
Ohio-born Paul then took to the podium and reciprocated Trump's glowing salute.
He told the crowd that Trump taught him courage and to "never back down from a fight".
"I grew up just a few hours away from here. My dad taught me to fight," he said.
"And all of our voices matter in America. And I'm never afraid to speak the truth."
"God's got us. Trump's got us. God bless. Love you, Kentucky."
The path from pro-athlete to politician is not uncommon in the US.
Jutta Leerdam at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. AP
Former pro-wrestling star Jesse Ventura was elected governor of Minnesota in 1999.
Actor, Olympic weightlifter and bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger became governor of California in 2003.
And former New York Knicks star Bill Bradley forged a successful career as a US senator after leaving the NBA.
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