Soulja Boy Teases 2028 US Presidential Run After Jury Found Him Liable in $4.25 Million Sexual Assault Case

Soulja Boy has teased a possible run for US president in 2028, posting 'SOULJA BOY 2028' on Instagram on Saturday, 10 October. The rapper listed economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, education, and the future of technology and artificial intelligence among his priorities, but did not announce a party affiliation or detailed policies.

His post comes 18 months after a California jury awarded approximately $4.25 million (about £3.2 million) to a former personal assistant in a civil case involving sexual battery, assault and other claims. Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, denied wrongdoing and said after the April 2025 verdict that he intended to appeal.

Soulja Boy Explores 2028 Presidential Bid

The rapper presented his political ambitions as an extension of his work in entertainment, business and technology, describing an interest in exploring public service rather than announcing a fully developed presidential campaign.

'From music to business to technology, I've always believed in thinking bigger and challenging what's possible,' he wrote. 'Now I'm exploring what it means to bring that same vision to public service.'

His choice of the word 'exploring' leaves open whether he will follow the announcement with a formal campaign. The post did not identify whether he would run as a Republican, Democrat or independent, and did not disclose a campaign organisation, fundraising strategy or ballot-access plans.

His stated priorities also remain broad. The announcement did not set out specific proposals for criminal justice reform or education, or explain what role he believes the federal government should play in the development of artificial intelligence.

Soulja Boy previously performed at the Crypto Ball during festivities surrounding Donald Trump's January 2025 inauguration. That appearance provides political background, but does not establish which party he would represent in a potential presidential campaign.

Jury Awarded Former Assistant $4.25 Million

On 10 April 2025, a jury in Santa Monica, California, found Way liable in a civil lawsuit brought by a woman publicly identified as Jane Doe, who said she had worked as his personal assistant.

The plaintiff alleged sexual and physical abuse during her time working for the rapper. Her lawsuit also included employment-related claims.

According to Courthouse News Service, jurors found Way liable for sexual battery, assault, gender violence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, sexual harassment and nonpayment of wages. They rejected claims of false imprisonment and constructive discharge.

The award included just over $4 million (approximately £3.02 million) in compensatory damages and an additional $250,000 (around £188,700) in punitive damages, bringing the total to approximately $4.25 million.

The finding established civil liability for the claims upheld by the jury; it was not a criminal conviction.

Way disputed the outcome. Outside the courthouse, he called the verdict 'not based on facts or substantial evidence' and said: 'I am committed to filing an appeal and fighting for the truth to be revealed.' His statement expressed an intention to challenge the decision, rather than confirming that an appeal had been filed.

Political Priorities Remain Undetailed

Soulja Boy's announcement offers an initial indication of the issues he would like to address, rather than a developed presidential programme. It connects his interest in public service to his experience across music, business and technology, but does not explain how that experience would translate into government policies.

Economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, education and artificial intelligence cover distinct policy areas. The post names them as priorities without specifying proposed legislation, funding commitments or changes to existing programmes.

Whether he follows the announcement with a formal campaign or detailed proposals remains to be seen. For now, 'SOULJA BOY 2028' is an exploratory political message rather than a settled plan for seeking the White House.