Stephen A. Smith is eager to debate President Donald Trump and his administration on their DEI stance. His remarks came a day after the Department of Defense temporarily removed an article about Jackie Robinson’s Army career from its website. Though the Pentagon later restored the article, they did not clarify to ESPN’s Jeff Passan — who had raised concerns about the article’s removal — whether this was a deliberate act.
On Thursday’s episode of First Take, Smith shared his suspicions about the administration’s anti-DEI initiatives. He praised Robinson as a civil rights hero and criticized the Republican’s anti-DEI narrative, specifically referencing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ comments on slavery. Smith also called out Trump regarding Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s qualifications.
“Nobody is calling out the President, Donald Trump. I will,” Smith asserted, emphasizing that he would avoid derogatory labels, unlike some commentators. “Engaging in incendiary rhetoric is unnecessary, immature, and uncalled for. He’s the President of the United States. Treat him with the respect he deserves. But simultaneously, we must hold him accountable for his actions.” He criticized the administration’s association of DEI with Black people, questioning the term ‘unqualified’ in reference to Hegseth, who has honorably served as a soldier and host on Fox News, now overseeing the Defense Department with over 3.5 million personnel.
As host Molly Qerim attempted to conclude the segment, Smith reiterated his desire for a public discussion, challenging Trump, Vice President Vance, and Hegseth. “President Trump, I’m happy to sit down with you to have that conversation. I’d love for you to try to defend it,” he stated. “Vice President Vance, you too. Pete Hegseth, you too. Stephen A. Smith is calling you out on national television. I’d love for you to sit down in front of the cameras and attempt to justify this. It’s ridiculous.”
Stephen A. Smith challenges President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to publicly debate the administration’s stance on DEI.
“Stephen A. Smith is calling you out on national television. I’d love for you to sit down with the cameras… pic.twitter.com/aWAK2cM3Gx
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 20, 2025
This backdrop also includes Smith’s ongoing consideration of a potential run for president in 2028. Although his recent $100 million contract with ESPN seemed to pause this discussion, Thursday’s segment might have reignited it, particularly if Trump accepts his challenge.
