Topline
President Donald Trump lashed out at Stephen A. Smith in a Truth Social post early on Wednesday in his latest feud with a prominent media figure, this time sparked by the ESPN anchor’s criticism of the president attending the Knicks-Spurs game in New York on Monday.
Stephen A. Smith speaks at SiriusXM Front Row Live from the NBA Finals in New York City.
Getty Images for SiriusXM
Key Facts
In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Smith an “arrogant fool, a low-IQ individual,” and said he was “totally unqualified” to run for political office.
Smith previously teased a 2028 Democratic presidential campaign, but he has since said he no longer plans to run because he would have to “give up my money,” likely a reference to his multi-million-dollar ESPN deal.
Responding to Smith’s challenge for a debate, Trump said the “First Take” host would get “annihilated “ by the most “incompetent of politicians.”
In his post, the president volleyed several insults at Smith, saying he was “dumb as a rock,” and a “loudmouth huckster,” who would be laughed out of politics.
Trump swiped at Smith while speaking to reporters after Monday’s game, but this is the first time he has outright attacked the ESPN host on Truth Social.
What Sparked The Feud Between Trump And Smith?
The ESPN host criticized Trump multiple times last week after the president announced he would attend the Knicks’ first home game in the NBA Finals. Last week on his radio show, Smith said: “ I don’t want him there. It has nothing to do with politics, policy, or anything like that. It has everything to do with him disrupting and contributing at the same time to the chaos that’s going to be existing at Madison Square Garden.” Smith reiterated his criticism once again on Monday during his show “First Take,” and said, “This president has no business showing up in New York City. I am dead serious. It is selfish, it is narcissistic, it is ridiculous that he is coming to this game.” Smith also said he would blame Trump if the Knicks lost the game.
What Happened After Monday’s Game?
Trump attended Game 3 of the Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, where he was heavily booed by the crowd, who had been forced to line up for several hours outside the venue due to elevated security measures. The Knicks lost the game 111-115. After the game, Trump was asked about Smith’s criticism while speaking to reporters on the tarmac before boarding Air Force One. Trump took a swipe at Smith’s presidential ambitions and said, “I think he’s a nice guy, but you need a certain aptitude to run for president. You need a high IQ. I’m not sure that Stephen has that. I don’t think he does actually.”
How Did Smith Respond To Trump’s IQ Comments?
On Tuesday’s broadcast of First Take, the ESPN host delivered a fiery monologue. “I could say I could put my IQ against yours any day of the week. I could go one better, I could ask you why you’ve been running from me for the past year, since I wanted to talk to you. I could ask you to debate me since you think you’re that dude.” Smith then added that he doesn’t want to let Trump go “off the hook” for attending the game. The anchor said businesses in the area were “compromised” on Monday because of Trump’s attendance and also blamed the president for impacting the crowd that surrounds Madison Square Garden. Smith said the enhanced security measures needed for Trump’s attendance hurt local businesses that could not serve customers. Smith accused Trump of hurting the Knicks in the game and added, “The crowd was festive, hyped and more intimidating when you weren’t there.” He then asked Trump to give New Yorkers “a break” and not attend the next game, and took a jibe at Trump apparently falling asleep at the game: “It’s clear you need your rest.”
further reading
Trump Booed At Madison Square Garden As He Attends NBA Finals (Forbes)
Will Trump Attend Another NBA Finals Game? He Says He’s Busy With ‘A War’ (Forbes)