Stephen A. Smith is not known for pulling punches, but during a Sunday appearance on CNN’s State of the Union, the longtime ESPN personality took a notably measured approach when discussing President Donald Trump.
Speaking with guest host Kasie Hunt, Smith made clear that while he is willing to criticize the president’s decisions and public appearances, he is not interested in questioning Trump’s mental sharpness or engaging in personal attacks.
“But I’m not here to denigrate or insult the president of the United States in that regard,” Smith said when asked about Trump’s comments concerning the intelligence required to serve as president. “He is certainly an upgrade from what we were seeing from Joe Biden in terms of his alertness and what have you. I certainly would say that. I would not accuse him of that. But I’m not going to insult the president.”
The comment stood out because Smith has frequently criticized political figures across the spectrum. In this case, however, he drew a clear distinction between policy disagreements and concerns about cognitive fitness.
Smith’s remarks came against the backdrop of extensive reporting regarding former President Joe Biden’s health and mental acuity during his time in office. Multiple reports, including investigations published by The Wall Street Journal, described efforts by aides to limit Biden’s interactions and shield him from situations that might expose signs of decline. Those concerns became a central issue during the 2024 election cycle and ultimately preceded Biden’s decision not to seek reelection.
Even while defending Trump against accusations about his alertness, Smith did revisit a recent viral moment involving the president. Trump had previously criticized Smith after the broadcaster suggested he appeared to be asleep while attending a basketball game.
Smith noted that his observation was based on footage that had circulated publicly.
“What I would say, however, is that he showed up to a Knick[s] game, and he was caught on camera,” Smith said. “This isn’t me saying it, you saw it on camera. He was caught napping, OK?”
He added that Knicks owner James Dolan, who was seated nearby, also appeared less than fully engaged during portions of the game.
Still, Smith stopped short of turning the incident into a broader criticism of Trump.
“And so that’s it. Just pointing it out. It is what it is, but he is the president. He’s got a lot on his plate,” Smith said.
The conversation then shifted toward politics and Smith’s own increasingly discussed role in national political debates. Over the past year, speculation has grown about whether the outspoken sports commentator might someday enter politics, particularly as he has become a frequent commentator on national issues beyond sports.
Smith appeared open to debating Trump directly on policy matters.
“But I would certainly say that, if you really, really want to be serious about questioning somebody’s I.Q., put me at the same table as you and we could have a discussion in front of the masses about some decisions that you have made on behalf, supposedly, of the American people,” Smith said. “And we will see where my I.Q. lands then.”
Yet when Hunt floated the possibility of serving as a vice-presidential candidate, Smith rejected the idea immediately and emphatically.
“Never, never,” Smith replied. “I’m not interested in being no vice president. I’m not interested in being number two.”
Smith went on to explain that if he ever entered politics, it would only be for the highest office.
“If I were to do something like that, it would be for the big job. It would be for the presidency of the United States of America or nothing,” he said. “I’m not trying to be number two at anything I do.”
Whether those comments were simply characteristic Stephen A. Smith bravado or a genuine hint at future ambitions remains to be seen.
