RuPaul said he has no interest in running for public office, even as he plays a president in his new movie Stop! That! Train! and continues promoting the 11th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Appearing on The View on Thursday, May 28, the 14-time Emmy winner said he would “never want to be in public office” because “you can’t get anything done,” arguing that corporate interests and political obstacles block real progress. He joked that some politicians are only there “to line their pockets,” but said that is not his idea of leadership.
During the interview, RuPaul framed joy as a political response to the current climate. He said Americans should focus on finding happiness, laughter and fun even amid what he described as chaotic and exhausting political conditions. “We need joy,” he said, adding that creating joy takes effort and is a “revolutionary act” in difficult times. He said he wants to “eat chocolate” and “dance,” underscoring his belief that personal joy can be a form of resistance.
RuPaul also spoke about attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and said he is frustrated by ongoing efforts from right-wing politicians to target queer communities with restrictive laws. He said he and others have already tried reasoned arguments, critical thinking and appeals for fairness, but those efforts have not been enough to stop the legislation. Expressing fatigue with the broader fight, he said he wishes he had a solution and feels many people are “at their wits’ end.” He added that the present moment feels unlike anything he has experienced in his lifetime.
The conversation also turned to voting, and RuPaul admitted he felt unusually uncertain during California’s recent state elections. He said he briefly questioned whether he even wanted to vote, but ultimately stressed that casting a ballot remains essential. According to him, one goal of political forces is to make people doubt whether voting matters. He urged viewers to stay engaged and vote anyway, saying participation is part of resisting efforts to discourage civic involvement.
Although the interview centered on politics, RuPaul kept returning to his signature message of self-expression, positivity and resilience. He presented joy not as a distraction from serious issues, but as a meaningful way to endure them.
