Stephen A. Smith Teases 2028 Presidential Run: “I’ll Leave the Door Open”
Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN commentator known for his fiery takes, is stirring political buzz again—this time, not about sports, but a potential run for the White House in 2028.
Since his name unexpectedly surfaced in a presidential poll earlier this year, Smith has been toying with the idea of entering the political arena. In a recent interview with Complex’s Speedy Morman, he made it clear he’s still undecided—but far from ruling it out.
“I didn’t switch positions,” Smith clarified. “After speaking with my pastor and several politicians—who I won’t name—they urged me to keep my options open. So I’m leaving the door open.”
During the chat on 360 with Speedy, Smith lightened the mood by joking about the financial sacrifice that would come with a presidential bid. “That’s a huge damn pay cut,” he laughed. “And I’m not trying to take that right now.” Still, he hinted that the future is unwritten.
“Three years from now, I might feel differently. I want to keep succeeding without being under the microscope of millions of Americans who may not agree with my views on issues like immigration, the economy, or health care. But if things get bad enough—and the people want it—I’ll consider stepping up.”
Earlier this month, Smith took his thoughts even further on First Take, revealing that elected officials and wealthy backers—including billionaires—have encouraged him to explore the idea of running. “They’ve talked to me about exploratory committees and all that,” he shared on ABC News’ This Week. “I’m not a politician—I’ve never even wanted to be one.”
Despite his growing political commentary, often critical of both Donald Trump and Democratic leadership, Smith says he’d still prefer a seasoned, qualified candidate to emerge. But if no one does?
“I’d rather someone more qualified step up,” he admitted. “But if it comes down to me… I won’t shut the door.”
Stephen A. Smith Says He’s “No Longer Ruling Out” a Presidential Run: “You Don’t Know What God Has Planned”
Stephen A. Smith is turning up the heat on speculation about a 2028 presidential run—this time saying flat out that he’s “no longer ruling it out.”
The outspoken sports commentator made headlines last week when he revealed that people close to him, including his own pastor, have urged him to consider a political future. “Literally, people have walked up to me—my pastor included—and said, ‘You don’t know what God has planned for you,’” Smith shared, adding that he feels compelled to respect the faith others have placed in him.
Smith’s comments came amid growing criticism of the current political landscape—especially within the Democratic Party. In the 2024 election, Smith cast his vote for Kamala Harris, but now admits he regrets it.
Speaking on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, Smith didn’t hold back. “Yes, I voted for her, a lot of people did. But in the end, we feel like damn fools,” he said, criticizing the lack of a proper primary process. “Kamala Harris, who couldn’t even make it to Iowa in 2020, suddenly becomes the Democratic nominee—and we’re all supposed to act like she’s a rockstar at the convention? How did that happen?”
Smith argued that without a primary, Harris never would’ve emerged as the nominee, and said the party pushed her forward without real voter input. “We fell for the okiedoke,” he said.
While critical of Democrats, Smith hasn’t shown much enthusiasm for Donald Trump either. “I don’t like what I’m seeing, but I’m not surprised,” he said of the former president, blasting his approach to tariffs. “This whole trade war is ridiculous. He should’ve gone after China, not the entire planet.”
Still, Smith acknowledged one thing about Trump’s administration: “At least they tried something. There’s no real plan, but the effort was there.”
When it comes to Democrats, however, Smith says his frustration runs deeper. “They talk and they talk and they talk,” he said. “But nothing gets done. Nothing meaningful that truly helps Americans.”
Whether Smith truly has political ambitions or is just entertaining the idea, one thing is clear—he’s becoming an increasingly influential voice outside of sports. And if the current political climate continues to disappoint him and his supporters, he might just decide to step in himself.
