A longtime writer for the animated hit “The Simpsons” is stepping out from behind the television screen and into politics with an unexpected bid for the White House.
According to the New York Post, Dan Greaney, the writer behind the famous 2000 episode “Bart to the Future,” announced he is running for president in 2028 with what he describes as a “progressive Republican” platform.
Greaney became widely known years after the episode aired because it featured Lisa Simpson inheriting financial problems from a fictional presidency led by President Donald Trump — a storyline many viewers later pointed to as one of the show’s eerily accurate predictions.
Now, Greaney says he wants to help steer the country himself.
In a campaign launch video, the Los Angeles-based writer criticized both political parties, billionaires, and the current political climate.
“Trump, Vance, the billionaires, careerists, and cowards in both parties have turned their backs on [the United States],” Greaney said.
“It’s money, power, and security for them, but not for you.”
The writer initially appears in the video dressed like a prophet, complete with a long gray beard, before jokingly revealing he actually has legal credentials.
“I’m just a self-proclaimed prophet…” he says before adding, “who went to law school, graduated, passed the bar. Wait! I am a lawyer!”
Greaney then removes the costume and declares, “Screw it, I can be a politician.”
“I’m running for president. My platform: America for all. Let’s do this.”
According to campaign materials, Greaney plans to run on policies including universal healthcare and support for the Green New Deal — positions that differ sharply from much of today’s Republican Party platform.
A press release described his candidacy as an effort to bridge political divides and appeal to voters frustrated with both major parties.
Greaney, who attended Harvard University, said the once-joking premise behind “Bart to the Future” now feels more serious than comedic.
In the episode, Lisa Simpson complains about inheriting “quite a budget crunch” from Trump after becoming president herself.
Online fascination with “The Simpsons” predicting future events has circulated for decades.
Fans have pointed to episodes they believe foreshadowed events such as the 9/11 attacks and The Walt Disney Company’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
Greaney enters the 2028 race extremely early, long before most major candidates have formally announced campaigns.
Still, speculation has already surrounded figures like Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Greaney closed his announcement with another nod to his reputation for prediction.
“As to what happens next…we’ll just have to wait and see,” he said.
“You will, at least. I actually do know how it turns out.”
