What We Know About Meghan Markle's Political Aspirations

Following her bombshell CBS interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle has now reportedly got her eyes firmly set on the White House. 

Rumors surrounding the Duchess of Sussex's political aspirations emerged from a senior UK politician who previously worked under former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and has strong links to Washington. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, the unnamed politician claimed Markle has been networking with senior Democrats in the US and is in the process of building a campaign and fundraising teams for a potential future Presidency bid. "The Blairite, internationalist and Democratic party networks are buzzing with talk about Meghan's political ambitions and potential backers," the source revealed.

Another source close to Markle declined to comment on the rumors (via Daily Mail). Although, given past reports, news of a potential political venture should come as no surprise. Speaking to Vanity Fair in 2020, a friend of the Duchess revealed Meghan "would seriously consider running for president," adding that "one of the reasons she was so keen not to give up her American citizenship was so she had the option to go into politics."

Speaking previously in a documentary, Markle's friend and biographer, Omid Scobie, who co-wrote Finding Freedom: Harry, Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family, also revealed the Duchess "has her eyes set on the US presidency" (via Page Six). "Meghan is the embodiment of the American dream. One day we may see Meghan become president," Scobie commented. 

Previous comments made by the Duchess also suggest she has had a keen interest in the world of politics for quite some time. Speaking alongside husband Prince Harry in a video for TIME Magazine, Markle described the 2020 US election as "the most important election of our lifetime," while the Duke of Sussex added, "as we approach this November, it's vital that we reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity." 

As Sky News reports, at the time, the clip was interpreted by many as a subtle endorsement of Joe Biden, prompting former President Donald Trump to respond "I'm not a fan of hers," when asked about Markle's comments by reporters in a White House press briefing. "I would say this – and she has probably has heard that – I wish a lot of luck to Harry because he's going to need it," Trump added.