ESPN personality and media heavyweight Stephen A. Smith dropped a surprising possibility during his appearance on ABC’s This Week — he may be eyeing a presidential run in 2028. Let that sink in.
Known more for fiery sports commentary than political ambition, Smith isn’t the first celebrity to flirt with politics. But what raised eyebrows wasn’t just that reveal — it was the context.
While discussing the 2024 race, Smith called out Democrats for focusing too much on “woke culture, cancel culture, abortion rights, and all this other stuff,” instead of preparing Americans for something he believes is more pressing: a potential return of Trump-era tariffs.
“You’re not warning the American people that this man might be coming back and here’s what he’s bringing with him?” he asked, referencing Trump’s economic playbook.
Why It Matters
Stephen A. Smith’s comments come at a time when public trust in traditional politicians is on the decline, and voters are increasingly drawn to outspoken, high-visibility figures from entertainment and media.
If he seriously pursues a run, he’d join a long line of celebrity candidates, from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump — and potentially open a new lane as a politically independent Black voice willing to challenge both sides.
What’s more, Smith isn’t making this up on a whim. According to him, high-profile figures — including billionaires, pastors, and political insiders — have approached him about launching an exploratory committee.
“Even my own pastor came up to me and said, ‘You don’t know what God has planned for you. At least show the respect to the people who believe in you… leave the door open.’”
Smith says he’s not actively planning a campaign — he just signed a new ESPN deal and says he’s “happy” with his current gig. Still, he made it clear: if nobody better steps up, he’s not afraid to enter the ring.
