The Truth About Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's Presidential Aspirations
It seems Dwayne Johnson isn't ruling out rocking, or should we say "The Rock"-ing, the vote. But first, let's backtrack — ever since former President Donald Trump explosively hollowed out the celebrity-to-White House pipeline with his victory in 2016, Americans have pondered whether another famous face would take a shot at the White House. And it's possible that Johnson is that person, perhaps to the chagrin of once presidential hopeful Kanye West.
Interestingly enough, a 2017 national poll showed the former WWE wrestler-turned blockbuster superstar outperforming Trump in a hypothetical presidential matchup. That same year, when the amiable Baywatch actor graced the June 2017 cover of GQ magazine, he diplomatically acknowledged that a future run is "a real possibility." Although Dwayne Johnson declined to support a candidate in the 2016 presidential election, according to E! News, he did endorse President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in 2020 via a YouTube video with the pair. "I've never publicly endorsed a presidential candidate or vice-presidential candidate in my life, over my career," Johnson said, then officially supporting Biden and Harris. "That means a great deal to us, for real," Biden said, per People.
So, Dwayne Johnson hasn't taken a future presidential run off the table. And in a February 2021 interview, he cemented that sentiment — scroll down to see what Dwayne Johnson is now saying.
Dwayne Johnson will heed the public's wishes
So, what is Dwayne Johnson now saying about running for president? In his 2021 autobiographical NBC sitcom, Young Rock, the star fictionally campaigns for president in 2032, per The Wrap. But does that lighthearted joke reflect a very real possibility? Perhaps. "I would consider a presidential run in the future if that's what the people wanted," the star told USA Today on Feb. 17, 2021. "Truly I mean that, and I'm not flippant in any way with my answer. That would be up to the people...So I would wait, and I would listen. I would have my finger on the pulse, my ear to the ground." Yup; this is arguably the most weighty statement from Dwayne Johnson on the matter.
Back in Dwayne Johnson's 2017 GQ interview, he said he'd "like to see a better leadership." He continued, "One of the qualities of a great leader is not shutting people out. I miss that part. Even if we disagree, we've got to figure it out. ... If there's a large number of people disagreeing, there might be something I'm not seeing, so let me see it. Let me understand it."
Well, a celebrity in the White House has proven tricky before, but you never know what might happen. Watch this space.