Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson, YouTube’s greatest gift to philanthropy and the site’s most-followed creator, has made an bombastic announcement: He wants to seek the presidency of the United States. The news came in his recent podcast appearance on comedian Theo Von’s show This Past Weekend, which went online on December 2, 2024. But one would not really expect him to get into campaign mode anytime soon – Mr. Donaldson will begin seeking the presidency decades later once he is in his 50s or 60s.
I would have to achieve everything that I’d want to in terms of business and everything,” the 26-year-old said. “And then maybe take 10 years doing something local level and then state and all that jazz. We’ll see.
This isn’t a maiden overture from Donaldson to contemplate a run for the country’s highest office. As far back as July 2024, he even went to the extent of jokingly saying that he would enter the presidential race if the minimum age requirement—currently 35—was lowered. The statement then met a mixture of fan fervor and skepticism, but these latest statements make clear that his aspirations are genuine, even though this may be a pretty long shot.
But the man behind the stunts is 26-year-old MrBeast, a media business empire that reaches well into the world beyond his virus-sized YouTube hits. A canny entrepreneur, using the money earned to create subsidiaries such as Feastables- a snack food company-as well as a meal-curating service, called Lunchly, and even Beast, a gaming brand. Known for stunt philanthropy like planting 20 million trees and donating multi-millions to charity, all of which created his changemaker persona.
Although he does not ever foresee himself leaving YouTube or business, MrBeast plans on spending ten years gaining experience in local and state governments. As it stands, his eventual campaign philosophy seems to be based on transparency and bipartisanship. He has even mentioned that one way to avoid special interest groups is to give away his fortune, and instead promise to unite the country, not divide it.
With issues in which I was ignorant, he said, “I’d have experts from the left and right advise me on them, then try to find that middle ground that’s best for America.” He emphasized that his focus was always on the people.
The reactions of fans have been mixed, with some excited and others doubtful about MrBeast’s presidential ambitions. Many point to his philanthropic work and business acumen as evidence he could bring fresh ideas to Washington. Certainly, younger audiences seem intrigued by the possibility of a leader who has already demonstrated a knack for solving real-world problems.
But critics have pointed to his inexperience in politics as proof that the success he enjoyed as a YouTuber and entrepreneur would not translate into the complexity of running a nation.
If MrBeast were to make it to the White House, he wouldn’t be the first entertainer to do so. Hollywood legends like Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger transitioned from the entertainment industry into politics, with Reagan even becoming president.
The thought of Donaldson in politics opens the door on what could happen with a guy who made a very, very nonpolitical beginning to all this. So, can an individual approach deeply intertwined with internet trends, the frenzied activity of fans, and giving to charitable causes redefine, or maybe better put, modernize traditional concepts about running for office in today’s world?
While the prospect of a YouTube sensation in the Oval Office is still out of this world, MrBeast’s announcement did stir on a conversation about the future of leadership and how political campaigns will change. For now, Donaldson said he remains focused on his businesses and charitable endeavors-which leaves fans to wonder: what would a MrBeast presidency look like?. Could the man who gave away millions on YouTube bring that same energy to the White House? Only time will tell, but for sure, it is a story worth following-the rise of MrBeast from internet star to possibly politician.
What do you think, then? Can MrBeast’s unorthodox approach change the way politics are run? Let the debates begin.