As of April 2025, two of America’s most influential political voices are Stephen A. Smith and Dave Portnoy. These sports personalities have stirred significant conversation with their political commentary, with Smith even contemplating a presidential run. While Portnoy has not expressed serious political aspirations, his criticisms of the Donald Trump administration have garnered major media attention, especially after being a previous supporter of Trump’s campaign.
Initially, the Barstool Sports founder criticized the Trump administration’s response to the Signal scandal involving several high-ranking officials. Recently, he addressed the stock market crash triggered by Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies and announcements that have caused financial instability. Portnoy has openly discussed his personal losses from this market turmoil, leading him to appear on CNN with Dana Bash. During the interview, he stated he was not a die-hard MAGA supporter but leaned towards Trump due to the secrecy surrounding Joe Biden’s mental fitness and the absence of a primary challenge. When asked if he would consider voting for Democrats amid ongoing financial difficulties, Portnoy affirmed his openness to such a decision.
NEW: Dave Portnoy tells CNN he’s open to voting Democrat if stocks keep falling “I was never some crazy MAGA guy.”
“I don’t think I realized there’d be a market crash.”
“I’m willing to still give him time. I think the big date is the midterms, which is a long time out.”
“But… pic.twitter.com/621CuRsnWq
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) April 9, 2025
“Absolutely. One thing about me, which drives me crazy, I voted for Trump, I support him. I was never some crazy MAGA guy,” Portnoy explained. “I assess each candidate based on what they represent and how they resonate with me. The left’s handling of Biden’s mental state and the lack of a primary pushed me toward the right. I don’t strictly vote along party lines; I consider who I believe best aligns with my values.”
Portnoy has emerged as a compelling indicator of the present political climate, becoming an increasingly prominent figure in cable news interviews and social media clips (much to his own dismay). Contrary to the assumption that he is strictly conservative, he is clearly carving out a position as an independent voice, unafraid to critique those he previously supported.
We’re this close to asserting that as Stephen A. Smith and Dave Portnoy go, so goes the country.
