Don’t let the liberal media twist this story. Here is what actually happened.
Washington, D.C. — In a headline-making moment, President Donald J. Trump said he’d “love to see” ESPN’s outspoken sportscaster Stephen A. Smith run for president — praising the media figure’s intelligence, presence, and ability to connect with everyday Americans. The liberal media has used this to say Trump backstabbed JD Vance however that simply isn’t true and wildly overblown.
“I’ve got a knack for picking winners,” Trump, 78, said during a NewsNation interview. “Stephen A. Smith is sharp, he’s tough, and he knows how to get people’s attention — which, let’s face it, is more than I can say for most Democrats running today.”
The interview featured a unique mix of voices: conservative icon Bill O’Reilly, ex-CNN host Chris Cuomo, and Smith himself. O’Reilly jokingly floated the idea of Smith launching a presidential bid. Trump didn’t laugh it off.
“Stephen A. is a smart guy,” Trump said. “He has real communication skills. People listen to him. That’s rare in today’s political world.”
Smith Grills Trump on DEI Rollbacks
The exchange followed a sharp back-and-forth, where Smith — a Bronx native and longtime critic of race-based federal policies — questioned Trump over his administration’s moves to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mandates across government agencies.
“You’ve reversed policies that were designed to help minority-owned businesses and promote equal opportunity,” Smith said. “Critics claim this turns back decades of civil rights progress. How do you respond to that?”
Trump didn’t flinch.
“We’re restoring fairness and merit in America,” the president replied. “We’re done with quotas. We’re done with identity politics. If you earn it, you deserve it — period. We don’t care what you look like. We care about whether you can get the job done.”
He blasted elite universities for discriminating against high-achieving students in the name of “equity,” saying:
“If you get top grades and great test scores and you still get rejected from Harvard because of your skin color, that’s not just unfair — it’s disgusting.”
Smith Teases Presidential Ambitions
Smith, 56, has recently stirred buzz about potentially running for office. In an April 13 interview with ABC News, he admitted he’s been approached by elected officials and billionaire donors encouraging him to launch a political campaign.
“I’ve had people — serious people — ask me about starting an exploratory committee,” Smith revealed. “I’m not a politician, never wanted to be. But if this country keeps going off the rails, I may not have a choice.”
While traditionally known for bold takes on ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith has expanded into political commentary — including strong criticisms of Democrats after Trump’s reelection.
“If I see this country falling apart, and I think I have a real shot,” Smith said, “then I’ll seriously consider it.”
The Bigger Picture: America Wants Outsiders
Trump’s comments come at a time when many Americans — especially conservative voters — are hungry for outsider voices who reject political correctness and speak directly to the people.
With Smith openly challenging the progressive establishment, and Trump praising him as “a real contender,” the idea of a Smith candidacy might not be as far-fetched as some think.