Stephen A. Smith For President?
ESPN heavyweight Stephen A. Smith is once again fueling speculation about a future in politics — and this time, he’s sounding more like a rising political contender than a sports host.
In an exclusive interview, Smith said he isn’t ruling out a presidential run, even though he isn’t ready to leave behind his multi-million-dollar ESPN career.
“I love what I do,” he said. “I’m not giving up my money.”
But he admitted that the pressure to jump into the political arena is growing.
According to Smith, family members, political advisors, and even his pastor have encouraged him to consider running for office. And while he isn’t sure whether he’ll ever campaign for the Oval Office, he made one thing clear: he wants a powerful role in shaping who becomes America’s next president.
“I want to be someone every candidate has to come through,” Smith said, hinting at a desire to influence both parties — especially the Left.
Smith Says He’d “Love” to Take on the Left in a Presidential Debate
Smith didn’t hide his excitement at the idea of stepping into the center of America’s political spotlight.
He openly fantasized about being on the presidential debate stage — specifically to take on Democrats.
“I salivate at that opportunity,” he said, adding that millions of viewers tune in when he addresses major political issues on his ESPN show “First Take.” Smith, long known for clashing with progressive Democrats, says he’s ready for political combat.
His growing political footprint is already visible.
Smith now hosts “Straight Shooter” on SiriusXM’s POTUS channel, a weekly program that mixes politics and culture for a large audience of voters, sports fans, and news consumers.
During a recent live broadcast in Washington, D.C., Smith interviewed Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). The two joked, talked policy, and discussed Cruz’s past presidential ambitions. But the larger takeaway was clear: Smith is placing himself closer to influential conservative voices.
Smith Positions Himself in the Political Center — But Taxes Remain His Breaking Point
Smith has not identified with a political party, but his views often overlap with frustrated moderate voters. And when asked why he’d even want to enter the toxic world of American politics, Smith turned to a sports analogy.
“It frustrates me when the Knicks are terrible,” he joked. “But nothing makes me angrier than somebody raising my taxes.”
For a large conservative audience — especially Americans 50 and older — this is where Smith’s message hits home.
High taxes, government overreach, and reckless spending are increasingly top-of-mind issues for voters across the political spectrum.
Smith also addressed the explosion of sports gambling controversies, but warned against sweeping federal crackdowns. He said industries evolve, money flows, and the economy grows when private enterprise—not Washington bureaucracy—takes the lead.
Could Other Sports Media Stars Follow Him Into Politics?
Smith noted that media personalities like Michael Wilbon, Jeff Saturday, and Mike Greenberg could succeed in politics. But he also acknowledged a reality most celebrities avoid: there’s little upside in entering public office unless someone has a genuine passion for the fight.
Still, Smith hinted that for him, the move feels natural. “This isn’t new for me,” he said. “More people are just noticing.”
His rising political visibility suggests a long runway ahead — one that could eventually lead him directly into America’s political arena.
President Trump Warns Democrat-Led Cities Hosting the 2026 World Cup: “Behave” or Risk Losing Matches
While Smith grabs attention for his political curiosity, President Trump made headlines of his own by warning that World Cup matches could be pulled from cities run by Democrats if leaders fail to maintain basic law and order.
Hosting FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House, Trump cited cities like Los Angeles, where rising crime and mismanaged emergencies continue to spark national concern.
“If we see trouble, I’ll ask to move the games,” Trump said. “There are plenty of cities that can do it safely.”
Democrat mayors—many already clashing with Trump over issues like immigration, crime, and local spending—fired back immediately.
Seattle’s mayor called Trump’s comments “political theatrics.” Atlanta officials claimed falling crime rates. Kansas City’s mayor said he wasn’t worried.
But the debate underscores a growing national tension: conservative voters and Trump allies continue warning that crime, homelessness, and weak leadership in progressive cities threaten public safety and America’s international reputation.
