ESPN host and NBA commentator Stephen A. Smith says he was “aghast” after receiving what he called an unexpected "endorsement" from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he’d “love to see” Smith run for president.
The exchange unfolded during a NewsNation town hall earlier this week, where commentator Bill O’Reilly, appearing alongside Smith, called Trump and asked if he had advice for Smith should he consider entering the 2028 race.
"Stephen A., he is a good guy, a smart guy," Trump replied. "I love watching him. He’s got great entertainment skills, which is very important… I’d love to see him run."
While the moment was initially treated with humour, Smith addressed it seriously on his own podcast The Stephen A. Smith Show, acknowledging the weight of the comment.
“Regardless of how some of you feel about him, he is still the president of the United States… it counts for something,” he said.
Smith, who has no political experience, reiterated that he’s never wanted to be a politician. But he’s kept the door open, citing encouragement from both elected officials and his pastor. “You don’t know what God has planned for you,” he added.
Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union with Jake Tapper on Sunday, Smith elaborated: “I wasn’t looking for any kind of endorsement… especially from him. But there’s a bit of flattery that comes with getting such words from the man who holds the highest office in the land.”
Pressed on whether he believes he could win if he ran, Smith said confidently, “You’re d*mn right.”
While Smith’s presidential ambitions remain hypothetical, the political world is already bracing for a competitive 2028 race. Prominent Democrats like Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, and Gretchen Whitmer are all rumoured contenders following the party’s sweeping defeats in 2024.
Meanwhile, Trump has launched merch for a 2028 reelection bid.
As for Smith, he’s not making any official announcements — but the buzz surrounding his name just got a serious boost.
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