President Donald Trump’s visit to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals was never going to pass quietly. From the loud boos he received during the national anthem to fans jokingly blaming him for the New York Knicks’ 115-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, his presence was a constant focal point.
Among those critical of Trump’s attendance was ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith. When Smith’s pointed remarks were brought to Trump’s attention after the contest, the 79-year-old turned the conversation toward the broadcaster’s frequently discussed political future.
Donald Trump Questions Stephen A. Smith’s Presidential Credentials
A reporter informed Trump before boarding Air Force One on Monday night that Smith had suggested he would hold the president accountable if the Knicks suffered a Game 3 setback.
“Stephen A. Smith said he would blame you if the Knicks lost,” the reporter said.
The president initially struck a conciliatory tone before questioning Smith’s suitability for public office, shifting the discussion away from basketball.
“I think he’s a nice guy, but you need a certain aptitude to run for president,” Trump replied. “You need a high IQ. I’m not sure that Stephen has that. I don’t think he does actually.”
Reporter: Stephen A. Smith said he would blame you if the Knicks lost
Trump: He is a nice guy but you need a certain aptitude to run for president. You need a high IQ. I don’t think Stephen has it. pic.twitter.com/7DV1fZdcfL
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 9, 2026
Prior to the game, Smith, a lifelong Knicks fan, contended that the president’s Game 3 attendance would create unnecessary distractions due to the heightened security measures and logistical changes required for his high-profile visit.
“This is about an individual engaging in a level of narcissism that really rakes my freakin’ nerves. He’s got no business here tonight. It has nothing to do with politics,” Smith said.
“It has everything to do with the fervor that exists around the New York Knicks, and he is disrupting everything the Knicks have been vibing with.”
The president was subsequently booed by sections of the crowd when he appeared on the big screen during the national anthem before tip-off.
The Knicks ultimately lost for the first time since April 23, ending their historic 13-game postseason winning streak as the Spurs trimmed their series lead to 2-1. Game 4 will be played on Wednesday, once again at MSG.
Stephen A. Smith Has Not Completely Ruled Out a Presidential Run
While Trump questioned Smith’s White House qualifications, the outspoken analyst has spent much of the past year addressing speculation about a potential presidential run.
Although Smith previously suggested he was unlikely to run because of the financial sacrifices involved, he has stopped short of completely ruling out the possibility.
During an interview with CBS News earlier this year, Smith said he expected to settle on a final decision in early 2027.
“I will make a decision in early 2027, but I am not ruling it out because I expect a lot of success to come my way,” Smith said. “And Lord help everybody if the amount of success comes my way ensures that I never have to worry about my quality of life ever again.”
That said, Smith has appeared less enthusiastic about a presidential bid in other interviews, including an appearance on “Hang Out with Sean Hannity.”
“I don’t think I’m running, either, because I’ve got to give up my money,” Smith shared. “Let me put the presidential aspirations to bed. If I have to give up my money, it’s not happening.”
Even so, Smith continues to draw attention as a potential political outsider, ironically, much like Trump in the past, because of his unfiltered views on national issues and his willingness to criticize both Democrats and Republicans.
