In a surprising and politically charged move, YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump, calling the decision crucial to "save America." In a lengthy video shared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Paul expressed his concerns about the state of the country, urging his followers to support Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election.
Although Paul moved to Puerto Rico and therefore cannot vote in 2024, he emphasized his intent to inform his substantial online following, stating, “I can’t present my 80 million-large audience with proper facts, numbers, and data to encourage them to vote in the proper direction to quite literally save America.”
Paul cited a list of issues he believes have worsened under the current administration, pointing to concerns about inflation, the economy, freedom of speech, and border security. He argued that the nation feels more divided than ever, attributing much of this to a lack of progress under Democratic leadership. “Democrats have been in power for 12 of the last 16 years, so if we aren’t happy … then who is to blame?” he asked, while also noting that Harris, after 3 ½ years in office, has no significant accomplishments to show.
Who I’m supporting for president and why you should too… pic.twitter.com/OBd5uWrXTV
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) October 31, 2024
The YouTube star reinforced his position by presenting economic data, comparing prices of essentials like rent, food, and gas under Trump’s administration to current levels. Paul’s claims center on the idea that America’s economic struggles and soaring inflation reflect poorly on the current administration's performance.
He dismissed the media’s characterization of Trump, saying that while the former president has been portrayed as a “bad guy,” his concern lies more with Trump’s effectiveness as a leader rather than his character flaws. “How good of a president he is” should matter more, he argued, emphasizing that the president’s duty is to improve the nation’s well-being.
In a particularly resonant part of his endorsement, Paul drew an unconventional parallel, likening Trump’s legal challenges to those faced by America’s Founding Fathers, who were considered felons by the British crown. He said, “The people rebelling against the system, wanting to create change, wanting to disrupt, and wanting to do right by the people that founded this country were all felons.” For Paul, Trump’s legal battles are emblematic of someone challenging the status quo for the benefit of ordinary citizens.
Paul also touched on cultural issues such as transgender athletes in women’s sports. He criticized policies that allow biological men to compete against women, viewing them as detrimental to women’s rights. “That is taking away women’s rights,” he said, declaring that as a future father, he would not want his daughter competing against biological men in sports or sharing bathrooms with them. Paul credited Trump with supporting policies that protect women and girls, contrasting his stance with Harris's.
On immigration, Paul underscored his belief that Trump is the better candidate for keeping Americans safe, citing alarming figures on criminal activity among illegal immigrants. With data suggesting a high number of those entering the country illegally have criminal records, Paul argued that stricter border policies would ensure safety for women and children, a commitment he sees as lacking in the current administration.