Stephen A. Smith Roasted After 'Comical' 2028 Presidential Run Comment

Stephen A. Smith is once again stirring political chatter. The outspoken sports analyst is teasing the possibility of a presidential run in 2028, even while insisting he has “no desire” to actually become a politician. During a recent interview, Smith opened the door just wide enough to spark headlines, comparisons to Donald Trump’s early campaign whispers, and plenty of social media backlash. But while Stephen A. Smith may be entertaining the idea, many Americans appear to be laughing it off.

During an interview with CBS News’ Robert Costa, Smith addressed the growing speculation about his political future. “So when somebody talks about me being a president or whatever, I have no desire to be a politician, zero. … I have no desire to run for office.”

However, he quickly made it clear that the door isn’t completely shut. “But I’m not ruling it out because I’d love to be on the debate stages against some of these individuals that think they’re better suited to run the country," he added. "Because I think that the American people deserve to listen to and hear from somebody who genuinely cares about making life better for them instead of yourself.”

Stephen A. Smith also clarified where he would land politically if he did take the plunge. He told Costa that he “couldn’t see myself running as a member of the GOP. I’m a fiscal conservative."

"I can’t stand high taxes, but I’m a social liberal in the same breath because I believe in living and let live. I pay attention to the desolate and disenfranchised," he said. "Yes, I like strong borders. That’s absolutely true. We never needed open borders, but we don’t need it to be completely closed either. We are a gorgeous mosaic.”

Following the interview, Costa shared his own take on social media. “Stephen A. Smith is moving closer to a 2028 campaign … spending a few days with him in recent months reminded me of spending a few days with Trump back in 2013-2014. Many laughed at the prospect of a bid. But in an age of celebrity and social media…”

The comparison immediately fueled more conversation.

Over on social media, reactions were blunt. One user said, “The U.S. already has enough issues; we don’t need more of this craziness,” while another added, “This is comical.”

Criticism continued to pile on, with one commenter writing, “This dude flip-flops more than Lebron, depending on the heat, he is not a true leader!” Another said, “Dear God, help us all.”

Others took a more sarcastic tone. One user joked, “My dog has a better chance getting on the BALLOT,” and another chimed in, “Yeah, of course. My barber feels confident he can do it too!”

Long before the 2028 speculation started swirling, Donald Trump had already weighed in on Stephen A. Smith. During a town hall appearance, Trump offered praise for the ESPN personality, highlighting both his intelligence and on-camera presence.

“Stephen A., he’s a good guy. He’s a smart guy. I love watching him,” Trump told the town hall audience. “He’s got great entertainment skills, which is very important. People watch him. You know, a lot of these Democrats I watch, I say they have no chance.”

Shortly after, Stephen A. Smith responded to the "endorsement," expressing, "Regardless of how some of you feel about him, he is still the president of the United States. And if the president of the United States says something like that, it counts for something. I kept the door open for a potential run, because elected official and my own pastor said, 'You don't know what God has planned for you.'"

However, he noted, "I have never been a politician, I have never been interested in being a politician."

It remains to be seen whether Stephen A. Smith will actually take the plunge into a 2028 presidential run.