Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN host, recently expressed his astonishment at former President Donald Trump’s unexpected endorsement of him as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Smith stated, “I was aghast, to be quite honest with you,” emphasizing that he hadn’t sought any endorsements, especially from Trump.

Trump’s endorsement occurred during a NewsNation town hall, where he praised Smith’s intelligence, charisma, and entertainment skills, suggesting these qualities could give him an edge over current Democratic figures.

While Smith has previously shown openness to a political career, citing frustration with the current political climate and encouragement from influential figures, he remains critical of both major parties. He described himself as a centrist and a moderate, expressing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s direction and stating that a significant overhaul would be required for him to align with it.

Smith’s media journey includes roles as a columnist, radio host, and executive producer at ESPN, and he has been vocal about political issues, particularly concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He has criticized Trump’s executive order that terminated DEI-related government positions, disagreeing with the notion that DEI inherently involves unqualified individuals.

As speculation about his potential candidacy continues, Smith’s recent remarks and Trump’s endorsement have fueled public and political attention, highlighting the intersection of sports media and politics in contemporary discourse.

For more on Stephen A. Smith’s reaction to Trump’s endorsement, you can watch the following video: