Just days after OutKick questioned him about Smith's criticism of the president, Trump fired back, calling him a "low IQ individual" and "dumb as a rock."Smith took his response straight to primetime.The king of sports television hot takes joined Sean Hannity on Fox News Thursday night to clear the air.Stephen A.Smith attends WrestleMania 42 Night 1 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 18, 2026.
(Andrew Timms/WWE)TRUMP TEARS INTO STEPHEN A SMITH AS FEUD GROWS: 'ARROGANT FOOL, A LOW IQ INDIVIDUAL'True to form, Smith did not apologize.Instead, he doubled down.Smith told Hannity that he expects the heat when he steps out of his sports lane and into the political arena."I take no offense with the president coming after me the way that he did," Smith said.
"People go after him every day.I certainly went after him.
He has every right to come back and clap back at me.I'm a big boy.
I can take it.He ain't phasing me one bit."President Donald Trump watches the first quarter of Game Three between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks during the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8, 2026.
(Al Bello/Getty Images)Smith needs to stand the heat if he's truly seeking political office, namely the presidency.STEPHEN A.SMITH ARGUES HE CAN WIN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AFTER DEMOCRATS' ‘PATHETIC’ 2024 RUNSmith's qualms stemmed from the massive requirements for the presidential visit, which shut down surrounding streets near Madison Square Garden and forced police to clear out outdoor watch parties.Smith blasted the logistics, arguing that Trump only cared about himself.NYC CANCELS KNICKS NBA FINALS WATCH PARTY OVER TRUMP VISIT AS MSG FIRES BACKThe Knicks have not won a championship in more than half a century, and Smith believes Trump's arrival disrupted the momentum surrounding the team.Stephen A.
Smith appears on the ESPN NBA Countdown live set at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Oct.23, 2024.
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