Outspoken sports commentator Stephen A. Smith is once again fueling speculation about a potential White House run — even as he insists he has “no desire” to become a politician.
In an interview with CBS News correspondent Robert Costa set to air Sunday, Smith attempted to tamp down talk of a 2028 presidential campaign. “So when somebody talks about me being a president or whatever, I have no desire to be a politician, zero,” Smith said.
But in the same breath, the ESPN host made clear he is not completely dismissing the possibility.
“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,” Smith added. He argued that Americans “deserve to listen to and hear from somebody who genuinely cares about making life better for them instead of yourself.”
Costa later shared on X that Smith is giving “strong consideration to being on that debate stage for 2027” as a Democrat. Smith said he plans to use 2026 to reflect and study the issues. “I’ve got this year coming up 2026, to think about it, to study, to know the issues,” he said.
Smith describes himself as a fiscal conservative and a social liberal. “I’m a social liberal in the same breath because I believe in living and let live,” he explained, signaling that he does not see himself running as a Republican. At the same time, he expressed support for “strong borders,” while cautioning that the country does not need open borders or a completely closed system. “We are a gorgeous mosaic,” he said.
The comments mark the latest chapter in Smith’s evolving flirtation with national politics. In November, he suggested he wanted to have a “profound impact on who the next president is going to be” in 2028. Still, he has consistently emphasized his love for his current career — and his financial success. “I’m not willing to give up my money,” he previously said, pushing back on speculation that he is ready to walk away from broadcasting.
Smith has not shied away from political commentary in recent months. He has been openly critical of President Donald Trump and warned that the president’s approach could hurt Republicans in upcoming elections. On his SiriusXM show last month, Smith argued that Trump “is blowing it for himself,” suggesting Republicans could lose the November midterms and even the presidency in 2028.
“You’re going to lose, and you might lose the presidency in 2028, and it’s going to be at the fault of your president, Donald Trump,” Smith said.
Smith also criticized Trump’s deployment of federal immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota. Tensions escalated there between local residents and federal authorities over migrant detainments and the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis at the hands of federal authorities.
“What we’re hearing about is chaos, chaos, chaos, and oh my lord, we don’t need to see this again,” Smith said. “We don’t need to see this again. That’s what you’re hearing about, and you’re hearing a president that doesn’t know how to be quiet.”
For now, Smith insists he has no active campaign underway. But by keeping the door open — even slightly — the sports pundit is ensuring that the conversation about his political future remains very much alive.
