With more than three years until the 2028 U.S. presidential election, President Donald Trump may have already handpicked his successor—none other than sports media heavyweight Stephen A. Smith.
Earlier this month, during a NewsNation town hall marking his first 100 days back in office, Donald Trump gave Smith what sounded a lot like an endorsement. “I’ve been pretty good at picking people and picking candidates, and I will tell you, I’d love to see him run,” said Trump.
Smith acknowledged the nod, but made it clear he didn’t seek validation—especially from Donald Trump. “I wasn’t looking for any kind of endorsement from anybody, especially him,” Smith said. “But he is the president of the United States. There is a bit of flattery that comes with getting such words from the man who holds the highest office in the land, and I can appreciate that.”
Still, he added with a hint of sarcasm. “Evidently I have no chance.”
Despite Smith not declaring any political plans, conservative commentator Jason Whitlock sees the writing on the wall. Speaking on his show Fearless, Whitlock predicted a party switch.
“He’s running as a Republican,” Whitlock said. “A year from today, he will announce that he’s changing political parties and he’s a Republican. That’s my prediction.”
Whitlock also pointed to Smith’s recent podcast guests—such as CNN anchor Jake Tapper and political writer Alec Thompson—as signs he’s positioning himself politically.
“All these political people are being run through Stephen A. Smith’s show to build up his political credibility,” Whitlock claimed.
Bob Ley Isn’t Buying the Hype for Smith to become Donald Trump’s successor
Former ESPN anchor Bob Ley remains skeptical. During an appearance on The Ricky Cobb Show, Ley reflected on Smith’s rising political chatter.
“I’ve got to believe that when Stephen puts his head on his pillow at night… he’s kind of chuckling to himself,” said Ley. “God bless him… but he’s got to think to himself, ‘My God, what are they doing thinking I could be President?’”
Ley concluded with a jab at the media frenzy:
“We’re going to look back in two or three years at this period for Stephen A. Smith and say, ‘What were we smoking?’”
Whether Smith leans left or right, the political world—and the sports world—will be watching closely.
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