Donald Trump might have just given his unexpected blessing to a new contender for the White House — none other than outspoken sports commentator and media personality Stephen A. Smith.
During a live NewsNation phone interview on Wednesday night, Trump — the 45th President of the United States and likely 2024 Republican nominee — found himself fielding a surprising question from former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly: What does he think about Stephen A. Smith potentially running for president in 2028?
And Trump’s answer? An endorsement… with flair.
“He’s a good guy. I think he’s got great entertainment skills,” Trump said with a grin in his voice. “That’s important. That’s a very important trait for the job.”
Stephen A. for President? It Might Not Be a Joke
The moment wasn’t entirely hypothetical. Just last month, Stephen A. Smith, known for his fiery takes on ESPN’s First Take, made headlines by slamming the Democratic Party and saying he was seriously considering a presidential run in 2028.
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“I’m not joking,” he said in a viral podcast episode. “I’ve got no choice. The Democrats are falling apart.”
Smith, a longtime political commentator in addition to his sports coverage, said he felt compelled to speak up — and possibly act — due to what he sees as a “crisis of leadership” in both major political parties.
Trump Gives Stephen A. the Nod — But Takes a Swipe at Democrats
While Trump didn’t offer Smith any concrete advice for a political career, he did express admiration — in true Trump fashion — for Smith’s ability to command a crowd.
“The job is more than just politics,” Trump added. “You need to know how to entertain, how to hold people’s attention. That’s where Stephen A. shines — and honestly, the Democrats? They don’t know how to do that.”
It was a subtle jab with a not-so-subtle punchline — Trump never misses a chance to hit at his opponents, even when he’s doling out compliments.
Trump 2028? Yes, That’s a Real Thing
Interestingly, this praise may have a twist of irony. Trump himself has not ruled out a third run — even though the U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two terms.
The former president has been teasing a long-game strategy, even selling “Trump 2028” hats on his campaign website — hinting that he may attempt to circumvent term limits, or at the very least, maintain a strong political influence for years to come.
So, if Stephen A. Smith actually runs in 2028, he might be competing with Trump himself — or running with his unofficial support.
Trump and Celebrities: A Familiar Political Pattern
If Trump’s endorsement sounded familiar, it’s because he’s a longtime believer in celebrity power. As a former reality TV star himself, Trump has frequently praised other media personalities for their influence, often saying that traditional politicians lack charisma, crowd control, and star quality.
It’s part of a broader pop culture-meets-politics trend that has only grown stronger in recent years — with public figures like Kanye West, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Oprah Winfrey all being floated or flirting with presidential aspirations.
Now, Stephen A. Smith, known for his fearless commentary and viral moments, appears to be the latest name added to that list.
Could Stephen A. Smith Actually Run for President?
On paper, Smith has zero political experience. But in the age of celebrity candidates, that might not be a deal-breaker.
His massive audience reach, sharp communication skills, and fearless approach to divisive topics give him a media presence that rivals many current politicians.
In fact, Smith’s political commentary — often found in his podcast and interviews — covers everything from gun reform to systemic racism to foreign policy. He may not have held office, but he’s certainly not new to the political arena.
And based on Trump’s remarks, even political veterans are starting to take him seriously.
What the Trump-Smith Moment Really Means
This exchange wasn’t just a playful headline moment — it underscored a bigger shift in how we view presidential leadership in America.
Trump’s comment about needing “entertainment skills” wasn’t a joke. It reflected a larger reality: Modern presidents are media performers, not just policy wonks. The ability to dominate headlines, trend on social media, and keep the public engaged has become just as critical as drafting legislation or leading a war room.
If that’s the new litmus test, Stephen A. Smith may be uniquely qualified.
Social Media Reacts: “Stephen A. vs. Trump 2028?”
Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram lit up after the interview aired, with fans imagining a dramatic Smith vs. Trump debate.
“Stephen A. would DESTROY Trump in a debate. The man never loses an argument!” one user wrote.
“This country’s gone full WWE — and I’m not even mad,” said another.
Others joked about a potential running mate, suggesting fellow ESPN personality Molly Qerim or comedian Kevin Hart.
