Influencer Jake Paul Mourns Death of Charlie Kirk, Says He Would Have Been 'Next President'

Paul says Kirk's political ambition was 'like his job and his purpose' and that he was 'clearly going to be the next president'.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:24am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring the overlapping, fragmented faces of Jake Paul and Charlie Kirk in a swirling composition of bold, patriotic colors, conveying the turbulent political climate and the potential rise and fall of influential figures.The tragic death of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk has left a void in the political landscape, one that influencer Jake Paul believes he could have filled as the 'next president'.Hebron Today

Boxer and influencer Jake Paul expressed his belief that the late Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, would have inevitably been elected president someday if he had lived. Paul told interviewer Theo Von that Kirk's political ambition was 'like his job and his purpose' and that he was 'clearly going to be the next president'. Paul also discussed his own potential future in politics, noting concerns about the risk of assassination in the current political climate.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into the political views and aspirations of high-profile influencers like Jake Paul, as well as the perceived trajectory of conservative figures like Charlie Kirk prior to his untimely death. It also touches on the challenges and risks that public figures may face when considering a career in politics.

The details

In the interview, Paul said that while he has been 'flirting with politics', he is hesitant to enter the political arena due to concerns about assassination, noting that 'if there is a dumb— running and opposing, I will enter the game and risk getting assassinated, but I don't want to.' Paul credited former President Donald Trump for being willing to take on the demands of political office, including the impact on one's family and loved ones.

  • Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025.
  • In March 2026, Donald Trump offered Jake Paul a 'complete and total endorsement' should Paul choose to pursue political office.

The players

Jake Paul

A boxer and influencer with tens of millions of subscribers, who has converted his online fame into a boxing career, real-world business ventures, and is considering a future career in politics.

Charlie Kirk

The co-founder of Turning Point USA, who Paul believed would have inevitably been elected president someday if he had lived.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who offered Jake Paul a 'complete and total endorsement' should Paul choose to pursue political office.

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What they’re saying

“Charlie Kirk was clearly going to be the next president.”

— Jake Paul, Boxer and Influencer

“It does take something inside of people. I feel like they feel a sense of purpose and a calling to something. And if they can make sure that that's not just attached to their own ego, and they can make sure that there is a sense of like, 'I can do something better, and I'm willing to put myself out there to do that.'”

— Jake Paul, Boxer and Influencer

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Jake Paul will ultimately pursue a career in politics, and whether he will heed the 'complete and total endorsement' offered by former President Donald Trump.

The takeaway

This story highlights the political ambitions and influence of high-profile figures outside of traditional political circles, as well as the risks and challenges they may face in entering the political arena. It also underscores the continued prominence of conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and their perceived trajectory within the Republican party.