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Tag: 2028 Election
August 7, 2025
Politics

2028 Democrat Hopefuls Now Trying to Distance Themselves from Migrant Giveaways.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Democratic governors in California, Illinois, and Minnesota have rolled back public health care benefits for illegal immigrants, citing budget constraints.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Governors Gavin Newsom, J.B. Pritzker, and Tim Walz; immigrant advocates, and state legislatures.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Policy changes were enacted in 2025 across California, Illinois, and Minnesota.

💬KEY QUOTE: “There were very difficult conversations… but at the end of the day, we were able to come to this agreement.” – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D)

🎯IMPACT: The cuts will affect tens of thousands of undocumented residents and have sparked backlash from immigrant rights groups and progressives.

IN FULL

Three Democratic governors—California’s Gavin Newsom, Illinois’s J.B. Pritzker, and Minnesota’s Tim Walz—have implemented policy changes to freeze, cap, or eliminate health benefits for illegal immigrants, citing budget shortfalls. These cuts come as all three governors are viewed as potential contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

In California, Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to cap new enrollment for illegal immigrant adults in Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. While current enrollees will retain coverage, they will face new costs, including a $100 monthly premium starting in 2027. “We are not cutting or rolling back those that are already enrolled in our Medi-Cal system, we’re just capping it,” Newsom said. More than 120 organizations have condemned the move, calling it harmful.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a bipartisan bill removing illegal immigrant adults from MinnesotaCare, the state’s low-income insurance program. Walz acknowledged the challenges, saying, “There were very difficult conversations… but at the end of the day, we were able to come to this agreement.”

In Illinois, Governor J.B. Pritzker ended a program providing health coverage to over 30,000 illegal immigrant adults, effective July 1. Pritzker described the decision as “difficult” but necessary to balance the budget, blaming national economic challenges. “This year, passing a balanced budget required the difficult decision that reflects the reality of Trump and Republicans tanking our national economy and attempting to strip away healthcare,” his office stated.

Far-left critics argue these decisions undermine vulnerable populations and fail to distinguish Democrats from Trump-era policies, and illegal immigrant rights groups warn that the cuts will harm public health systems and alienate the Democratic base. Importantly, the recent policy changes put the three Democratic governors in stark contrast to the more progressive and pro-open borders politics of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who has emerged as a leading national figure in the party.

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May 25, 2025
Politics

Pelosi Predicts Rahm Emanuel Presidential Bid.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is adding further fuel to speculation that Rahm Emanuel will pursue a 2028 presidential bid.

👥 Who’s Involved: Nancy Pelosi, Rahm Emanuel, and journalist Peter Savodnik.

📍 Where & When: Interview published Friday, May 23, 2025, with Emanuel potentially launching a bid for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.

💬 Key Quote: Emanuel stated, “I’m not done with public service. I’m hoping it’s not done with me.”

⚠️ Impact: A 2028 presidential bid by Rahm Emanuel could shift the Democratic Party back towards Clintonism, though the former Chicago mayor could face stiff competition from progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).

IN FULL:

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has hinted that Rahm Emanuel, the former Chicago mayor and Joe Biden’s ambassador to Japan, could be planning a 2028 presidential campaign. In an interview published Friday, the 85-year-old California Democrat provided the latest fuel to recent speculation that Emanuel could launch a bid for the White House, stating: “I think he’s going to run.”

The interview was part of a feature published by The Free Press entitled, “President Rahm Emanuel? He Thinks So.” The National Pulse has previously reported that Emanuel is eyeing a presidential run, taking care to distance himself from allegations that Democrat aides covered up former President Joe Biden’s cognitive and physical decline.

In the same story with Pelosi, Emanuel told journalist Peter Savodnik, “I’m not done with public service. I’m hoping it’s not done with me.” However, when asked directly about a potential White House bid, Emanuel remained noncommittal, saying, “Before I make a decision, I want to know that I have an answer to what I think ails our country, ails our politics, and ails the party—and they may all be the same answer.”

The former Clinton White House aide, who infamously threw steak knives into a table while listing Democrat donors he believed had abandoned Bill Clinton and shouting “Dead!” during a 1992 presidential election fundraiser, appears to have retained his cutthroat edge. When asked by Savodnik about Biden’s health, Emanuel quipped, “I don’t have prostate cancer.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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May 15, 2025
Data
Politics

It’s AOC’s Democratic Party Now, Data Shows.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A recent survey reveals that many Democratic voters see Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) as the face of their party. The progressive lawmaker’s surging popularity among her party’s liberal base has led to speculation she could mount a presidential bid in 2028.

👥 Who’s Involved: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democratic voters, Co/efficient survey respondents, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

📍 Where & When: The survey was fielded in the United States from May 7 to May 9, 2025, with the results publicized on May 15.

⚠️ Impact: The poll shows Ocasio-Cortez remains a polarizing figure, with strong support among Democrats but significant opposition from Republicans. Her high support among political progressives and the Democratic base is fueling speculation she could soon run for the U.S. Senate or even the White House.

IN FULL:

A new poll suggests many Democratic voters view far-left Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) as the party’s leading political figure. The Co/efficient survey, which included approximately 1,400 participants, showed that 26 percent of respondents identified Ocasio-Cortez as the “face of the Democratic Party.” An equal percentage of those surveyed stated that “no one” currently represents the party.

In recent months, Ocasio-Cortez—often referred to as AOC—has toured the country, holding political rallies with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a self-described democratic socialist. The rallies, part of the two far-left lawmakers’ Fighting Oligarchy Tour, have buoyed progressive voter support for Ocasio-Cortez, leading to speculation she could mount a primary challenge to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) or even seek the Democratic Party’s 2028 presidential nomination.

Additional polling data reflects Ocasio-Cortez’s popularity among Democrats. An AP/NORC poll found that 55 percent of Democratic respondents hold a favorable view of the congresswoman. In her home state of New York, a Data for Progress poll indicated that 75 percent of Democratic primary voters preferred her over other prominent figures, such as the 74-year-old Senator Chuck Schumer.

The progressive congresswoman’s strong stance against President Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party appears to resonate with liberal voters. Ocasio-Cortez has consistently used social media platforms and congressional hearings to criticize the Trump administration and Republican policies. However, Democratic Party leadership worries that the radical, far-left policy positions taken by the New York progressive lawmaker will alienate more moderate and centrist voters, viewed as key to retaking Congress and the White House.

Despite her popularity within the Democratic base, Ocasio-Cortez has not made significant moves to secure leadership roles on key House committees. Observers suggest this may be due to her polarizing status, which draws both fervent support from Democrats and sharp opposition from Republicans.

The National Pulse reported last month that statistician and polling analyst Nate Silver believes Ocasio-Cortez is a strong contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, if she chooses to run.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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May 12, 2025
William Upton
Politics

AOC Eyes Schumer Ouster, 2028 Presidential Bid.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is using a series of cross-country rallies with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to consolidate support among progressive Democrats ahead of a potential primary challenge against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), or even a possible 2028 presidential run. The New York Congresswoman raised nearly $10 million in campaign cash during the first quarter of 2025.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Chuck Schumer, President Donald J. Trump, Democratic voters.

📍 Where & When: Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders kicked off their Fighting Oligarchy Tour in February with recent rallies in Colorado, California, and Arizona.

💬 Key Quote: “We need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us,” Rep. Ocasio-Cortez argued at a recent rally in Tempe, Arizona. “I want you to look at every level of office around and support Democrats who fight, because those are the ones who can actually win against Republicans.”

⚠️ Impact: The Fighting Oligarchy Tour has positioned Ocasio-Cortez, a radical progressive, as a leading anti-Trump voice in the Democratic Party, fueling speculation she may soon launch a primary challenge to Sen. Schumer or launch a 2028 presidential bid.

IN FULL:

Disaffected Democrats and political progressives are rallying around the far-left populist message espoused by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), fueling increasing speculation that the 35-year-old New York Democrat may mount a primary challenge to 74-year-old Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) or even launch a 2028 presidential bid. Since late February, Ocasio-Cortez—often referred to as AOC—has been holding large rallies across the country with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as part of the Fighting Oligarchy Tour, resulting in the progressive Congresswoman raising nearly $10 million in the first quarter of 2025.

In March, a Fighting Oligarchy Tour rally in Denver, Colorado, featuring AOC and Sanders, drew a reported 34,000 attendees—eclipsing the crowds drawn during Sen. Sanders’s previous two presidential campaigns and dwarfing all other Democratic Party events that month. Subsequently, an April rally in Los Angeles, California, drew an estimated 36,000 people. The rallies often feature calls for Rep. Ocasio-Cortez to primary Sen. Chuck Schumer. AOC and progressive Democrats contend he was too quick to cave to President Trump and Congressional Republicans on a government funding bill.

“We need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us,” Rep. Ocasio-Cortez argued at a recent rally in Tempe, Arizona. “I want you to look at every level of office around and support Democrats who fight, because those are the ones who can actually win against Republicans.”

While AOC’s cross-country tour and rallies with Sanders have energized the Democratic Party’s far-left progressive faction, more moderate party leaders worry that the New York Congresswoman’s radical message will alienate independent voters. However, absent any other standard bearers stepping forward and gaining traction, Ocasio-Cortez, with the backing of Sanders, appears to be quickly consolidating her position as one of the Democratic Party’s most vocal anti-Trump leaders.

Despite not having ruled out a potential 2028 bid for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, AOC is believed to be best positioned to challenge Schumer for his Senate seat. Several House Democrats have encouraged their progressive colleague to mount a primary campaign, with Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) stating, “I’ve already said it: Senate looks good.”

Image by Matt Johnson.

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May 5, 2025
News

Trump Dismisses 2028 Speculation.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump dismissed the idea of serving a third term and suggested Vice President J.D. Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio, NBC interviewer Kristen Welker.

📍 Where & When: The Interview aired on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday.

💬 Key Quote: “It’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do.” — President Trump.

⚠️ Impact: Fuels speculation about future Republican leadership and potential candidates for the presidency after Trump’s second term.

IN FULL:

In a recent interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, President Donald J. Trump downplayed the idea of pursuing a third presidential term, despite previously appearing open to the idea. “It’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do,” he said. He noted that “many people” are selling ‘Trump 2028’ merchandise, but “this is not something I’m looking to do.”

“I’m looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody, ideally a great Republican,” he added, highlighting Vice President J.D. Vance as a “fantastic, brilliant guy,” and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “great.”

Trump has previously hinted at the possibility of a third term, noting in March that he was “not joking” about it. Trump’s supporters—and detractors—have argued that the  22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to running for two terms, could, on some readings, still allow for someone to serve a third term by running for the vice presidency, with the person at the top of the ticket stepping aside for them following their inauguration.

Congressman Andy Ogles (R-TN) has also proposed a constitutional amendment allowing presidents to stand for a third term provided their second was non-consecutive, like Trump’s.

Leading conservative voices such as Stephen K. Bannon, the host of WarRoom and former White House Chief Strategist, have called for a third term in 2028, unnerving the left.

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April 17, 2025
Politics

Nate Silver Predicts AOC as Top Contender for 2028 Democratic Nomination.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Statistician and election pollster Nate Silver says he believes that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is a strong contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, if she chooses to run. Silver, who founded the FiveThirtyEight opinion poll analysis website, notes that the progressive New York lawmaker and member of the far-left “Squad” coalition in Congress is polling in a strong position in a potential primary against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and enjoys some of the highest net favorability among Democrats.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Nate Silver, Galen Druke, Kamala Harris, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

📍 Where & When: Silver made the observation in an April 16 post on his “Silver Bulletin” Substack; the prediction pertains to the Democratic primary in 2028.

💬 Key Quote: “Results! I thought I was gonna surprise everyone by taking AOC first, but Galen won at rock-paper-scissors and chose her first instead,” Silver wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) after hosting a mock 2028 Democratic presidential nomination draft with former FiveThirtyEight podcast host Galen Druke.

⚠️ Impact: An Ocasio-Cortez presidential candidacy would mark a significant shift leftward for the Democratic Party. The New York Congresswoman has a reputation as an unapologetic progressive with ties to the radical Democratic Socialists of America.

IN FULL:

In a Wednesday discussion about potential Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election, data analyst and political pollster Nate Silver suggested that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) could emerge as a leading primary contender if she decides to seek the party’s presidential nomination in 2028. Silver and former FiveThirtyEight podcast host Galen Druke considered the implications of an Ocasio-Cortez candidacy while hosting a mock draft of potential Democratic presidential candidates on the “Silver Bulletin” Substack platform.

“I think there’s a lot of points in her favor at this very moment,” Druke said after picking Rep. Ocasio-Cortez as his first choice to win the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 2028, noting: “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has broad appeal across the Democratic Party.”

“I think equally important is the fact that she has very fervent support,” Druke explained, adding: “I think a lot of people are gonna run in 2028 and it’s going to be a contest for attention and getting those sort of people who might be in your boat to turn out and stay with you through thick and thin.”

“I agree with everything,” Silver replied, quipping: “That was going to be my f***ing first pick!”

While Silver agreed that Ocasio-Cortez would be a formidable candidate and well-positioned to win the party’s presidential nomination, he conceded that the national political environment could change before the 2028 election and cautioned he wasn’t confident she’s “sure to run.” Druke pushed back, noting the far-left progressive Congresswoman’s “Fighting Oligarchy Tour” with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), which is currently hosting rallies around the country.

Adding to the case that Ocasio-Cortez could win the Democratic Party’s presidential primary, Silver pointed to current election polling showing the Congresswoman with significant support in a hypothetical challenge against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Silver argued that Ocasio-Cortez’s strong polling numbers add credence to the idea that she has broader appeal in the Democratic Party than previously thought, noting, “New York Democrats are actually a pretty moderate bloc.”

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March 12, 2025
William Upton
Politics

Former Top Clinton Aide Eyeing 2028 Presidential Run?!

Former Chicago Mayor and Clinton political machine hatchetman Rahm Emanuel appears to be gearing up for a 2028 presidential run while hitting the media and speaking circuit with the message that Democrats must pivot back to the political middle. Fresh off a stint as former President Joe Biden’s ambassador to Japan, Emanuel has increased his public profile through public speaking engagements as well as corporate media and podcast appearances, arguing his party has become too focused on niche cultural and social issues like transgenderism.

During a recent appearance on the Bill Maher Show, Emanuel—who infamously threw steak knives into a table while listing off Democrat donors he believed had abandoned Bill Clinton and shouting “DEAD” while speaking at a fundraiser during the 1992 presidential election—took the more progressive audience to task for catering to far-left, fringe issues. “In seventh grade, if I had known I could’ve said the word ‘they’ and gotten in the girls’ bathroom, I would’ve done it,” Emanuel said, arguing: “We literally are a superpower, we’re facing off against China with 1.4 billion people and two-thirds of our children can’t read eighth-grade level.”

The education issue appears to be the kernel on which an Emanuel campaign would form. The former Chicago Mayor also hammered the education issue while speaking before the major Democratic lawfare group, Democracy Forward, in February. “I am done with the discussion of locker rooms, I am done with the discussion of bathrooms, and we better start having a conversation about the classroom,” he said.

CLINTONISM RETURNS?

Notably, Emanuel is also chastising Democrats for letting their corporate media allies dictate the political conversation, blasting party leaders for being overly focused on President Donald J. Trump‘s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and cuts to federal agencies. “The New York Times put crumbs all the way to the front door of the USAID headquarters and we just walked along back there,” Emanuel told donors and party elites gathered at Democracy Foward’s event.

While most early names for the 2028 Democratic nomination still appear stuck trying to define themselves against President Donald J. Trump’s popular America First agenda, Emanuel may just find a niche playing in the exceedingly difficult lane of ‘political moderate.’ Whether that will play with the Democratic Party’s increasingly far-left and radical base remains to be seen.

Image by Daniel X. O’Neil.

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Former Chicago Mayor and Clinton political machine hatchetman Rahm Emanuel appears to be gearing up for a 2028 presidential run while hitting the media and speaking circuit with the message that Democrats must pivot back to the political middle. Fresh off a stint as former President Joe Biden's ambassador to Japan, Emanuel has increased his public profile through public speaking engagements as well as corporate media and podcast appearances, arguing his party has become too focused on niche cultural and social issues like transgenderism. show more
March 3, 2025
Politics

Tim Walz Teases 2028 Presidential Bid.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has indicated his openness to a potential presidential run in 2028. Walz remarked, “If I feel like I can serve, I will,” while acknowledging that, “If, nationally, people are like, ‘Dude, we tried you and look how that worked out,’ I’m good with that.”

When addressed directly about a future presidential bid, Walz highlighted a piece of advice from a friend: “Never turn down a job you haven’t been offered.” Walz mentioned that he would consider running if he believes he possesses something valuable to contribute. “I’m also, though, not arrogant enough to believe there’s a lot of people that can do this.”

The Democrats and their media allies pitched Walz to the public as a moderate “Midwestern Dad” and veteran in 2024, opening to soften leading candidate Kamala Harris’s history of radical left politics on immigration and transgenderism. One popular left-wing commentator went so far as to describe him as “the first white male DEI hire.”

However, it soon became apparent that Walz has a track record as radical as Harris’s, overseeing the installation of tampons in boys’ restrooms in Minnesota schools as Governor and praising  Chinese communism as a system where “everyone shares” and “everyone is the same.” His record in the National Guard also came under scrutiny, with his claims to have carried weapons “in war” during an anti-war speech proven false and former comrades branding him a “coward” and a “deserter” as well as a “habitual liar.”

One prominent Democrat activist to back Walz, 60, as “the future” of the party is anti-gun campaigner David Hogg. Walz, in turn, has endorsed Hogg for Democratic National Committee (DNC) vice chair.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has indicated his openness to a potential presidential run in 2028. Walz remarked, “If I feel like I can serve, I will,” while acknowledging that, “If, nationally, people are like, ‘Dude, we tried you and look how that worked out,’ I’m good with that.” show more
February 21, 2025
Jack Montgomery
News

Left Melts Down After Bannon Calls for Trump Third Term.

War Room host Stephen K. Bannon, former White House Chief Strategist to President Donald J. Trump, has sent Democrats and corporate media members into meltdown by calling for the America First leader to serve a third term at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Several have gone so far as to accuse the MAGA stalwart of making a “Nazi salute” during his speech.

“Days of thunder, years of lightning. Every day is Christmas Day; every day you get more executive orders, more executive actions. It’s not going to stop,” Bannon said of the Trump administration’s performance so far.

“They’re running around asking, ‘What’s the future of MAGA? What’s 2028?'” he said of the media’s response to the new administration. “We’re not about 2028—we’re about today, tomorrow, the next day. That’s how we won,” Bannon said.

“In 2021, we didn’t ask what’s going to happen in 2024. Every single day, you report for duty—action, action, action. So, media, you don’t need to ask me. I’ll tell you now: the future of America is MAGA, and the future of MAGA is Donald J. Trump. We want Trump in ’28. That’s why they can’t stand him. A man like Trump comes along once or twice in a country’s history,” he added, leading the crowd in chants of, “We want Trump!”

Reactions to Bannon’s speech on the left were hysterical, with particular attention being lavished on a gesture compared to a Nazi salute. Similar allegations have been leveled at Elon Musk in the recent past.

Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) has already put forward a constitutional amendment to allow presidents serving non-consecutive terms, like President Trump, to run again. Some in the corporate media also fear that, according to one interpretation of the Constitution, he could serve a third term by running as Vice President and having the candidate at the top of the ticket abdicate in his favor post-election.

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War Room host Stephen K. Bannon, former White House Chief Strategist to President Donald J. Trump, has sent Democrats and corporate media members into meltdown by calling for the America First leader to serve a third term at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Several have gone so far as to accuse the MAGA stalwart of making a "Nazi salute" during his speech. show more
February 5, 2025
Jack Montgomery
News

Bookmakers Boost Donald Trump Jr.’s Presidential Odds.

Betting patterns suggest that Donald Trump Jr.’s prospects of becoming U.S. President after the 2028 presidential election have significantly improved. Star Sports, a prominent bookmaker, reports 25/1 odds for Don Jr. to assume the presidency, up from just 66/1 immediately following the 2024 election in November.

Among Republicans, he is second only to J.D. Vance in popularity, with a poll by McLaughlin & Associates in late January finding 21 percent favor him to become 2028 candidate, against 27 percent for the Vice President.

President Donald J. Trump, 78, will likely be unable to pursue a third term unless the Constitution is amended, despite some in the corporate media panicking that he may try to circumvent the two-term limit through a constitutionally questionable process involving running for the vice presidency and having the person at the top of the ticket abdicate in his favor following their inauguration.

Unlike his sister, Ivanka Trump, and his sister-in-law, Lara Trump, Don Jr. has not taken formal positions in President Trump’s campaigns or administrations. However, he has increasingly emerged as a de facto representative of the America First movement to the official team and recently led something like an informal diplomatic mission to Greenland, which President Trump hopes to acquire.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Betting patterns suggest that Donald Trump Jr.'s prospects of becoming U.S. President after the 2028 presidential election have significantly improved. Star Sports, a prominent bookmaker, reports 25/1 odds for Don Jr. to assume the presidency, up from just 66/1 immediately following the 2024 election in November. show more