ESPN host Stephen A. Smith issued a stern warning to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party ahead of this year’s crucial midterm elections.
The longtime NBA commentator, who has hinted at a career in politics, blasted Trump for his handling of the presidency during his second term and predicted sweeping losses for the Republican Party if current trends continue.
Trump is pleading with Republicans to win the midterm elections to thwart Democratic attempts to impeach him. /Anna Money Tree/Getty Images
“To all Republicans, all conservatives, you are about to lose the midterm elections. You are going to lose. You may lose the presidency in 2028, and it’s going to be your president, Donald Trump’s fault,” the host said in one episode of the show. “Straight Striker” by Stephen A. Airs Thursday.
Smith is one of a growing number of high-profile figures warning Trump of trouble ahead as the midterm elections approach. Republicans hold slim majorities in both chambers of Congress, leaving little room for error.
The ESPN pundit said Trump’s voice almost turned into a shout that he would “screw it for the Republican Party.”
“Trump screwed up! He screwed up! He’s going to screw up for himself; he’s going to screw up for the Republican Party; he’s going to screw up for Congress; he’s going to screw up for the Senate; he’s probably going to screw up for the White House,” Smith said.
“This guy doesn’t know how to act,” he continued, criticizing the political climate and messaging coming from the White House.
Stephen A. Smith said Americans are hearing about “ICE’s Gestapo tactics.” / Alex Kormann/Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images
“What you’re hearing is ICE’s Gestapo tactics. What’s happening is you’re hearing about going after hardcore criminals and making sure they’re deported instead of terrorizing everyday, everyday American citizens?”
“What we hear is chaos, chaos, chaos. And, gosh, we don’t need to see this again. We don’t need to see this again. That’s what you hear. What you hear is a president who doesn’t know how to keep quiet,” Smith said.
The ESPN host stopped short of calling Trump narcissistic, saying he was like “someone obsessed with carrying a microphone.”
“I, your friendly neighborhood host, live between ESPN and Sirius XM. I’m on the air at least 22 hours a week, at least 45 weeks a year – a year! Ladies and gentlemen, that equates to over 900 hours, and I know nothing about Trump. There’s not a damn thing! He can’t stop! Every time you turn around, there’s something.”
Smith also noted rifts among Trump allies.
He added: “It’s so bad right now. Even podcast godfather Joe Rogan, who supports Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 election, has spoken out about him.”
Smith singled out “godfather of podcasting” Joe Rogan, who spoke out against Trump after high-profile endorsements of him in 2024. /The Joe Rogan Experience/Youtube
The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.
White House deputy chief of staff James Blair also acknowledged trouble ahead for Republicans, while Rep. Nancy Mace said she had no confidence the party could retain control of the House in the midterm elections.
Trump is pleading with Republicans to win the 2026 congressional midterm elections to thwart Democrats’ attempts to impeach him.
