Donald Trump has floated the idea of Jake Paul pursuing a completely different path, suggesting the influencer-turned-boxer could one day step into politics. But what do people in the US actually think of him?
The president raised eyebrows with the comment while speaking at a rally in Kentucky, where Paul — a former Disney Channel actor — was among those in the crowd.
While visiting Verst Logistics in Hebron, Trump brought up Paul’s possible future in public office before calling him up to join him on stage.
“I’m going to make a prediction that you will be, in the not-too-distant future, running for political office,” remarked the President, though he didn’t clarify whether he meant a local position, a congressional role, or something higher.
He then said he would back Paul if that prediction becomes reality, adding: “You have my complete and total endorsement.”
As he spoke about Paul, Trump also highlighted his podcast, describing it as ‘big stuff’ and saying, ‘this guy has guts’.
Paul later addressed the audience and credited Trump with influencing his outlook, saying: “What Mr. Trump has taught me is courage,” Paul said.
Polling offers a clearer picture of how Paul is currently viewed across the US. Data from YouGov — an international market-research and opinion polling firm that tracks public sentiment in multiple countries — provides insight into his recognition and reputation.
YouGov’s ‘Fame & Popularity’ tracker for Paul breaks responses into categories including ‘Fame’, ‘Popularity’, ‘Disliked’, and ‘Neutral’ within the US. The survey questioned just under 2,000 people and indicates that while Paul is well known, he isn’t widely liked. Around 69% of respondents said they’d heard of him, pointing to strong name recognition.
At the same time, only about 19% said they view him positively, while roughly 33% reported a negative opinion. Overall, the figures paint him as a prominent but divisive personality, with unfavourable views outpacing favourable ones among those surveyed.
Trump’s endorsement arrives as opinions about the president remain split as well. An NBC national survey cited by Donald Trump puts him at 41% favourability compared with 53% unfavourability among registered voters.
Even with that overall deficit, the same polling suggests Trump performs better in popularity terms than several names frequently mentioned as possible contenders in the 2028 presidential race — including JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom and Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez.