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Trump praises Stephen A. Smith after dinner, changes previous criticism

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 18, 2026, 11:45 AM

Last updated Oct 18, 2026

Trump praises Stephen A. Smith after dinner, changes previous criticism

Summary

After a dinner at the White House, President Donald Trump expressed a more favorable opinion of ESPN host Stephen A. Smith, calling him ‘great’ and ‘smart’. This marks a significant shift from Trump's earlier comments, where he doubted Smith's intelligence following a contentious episode during the NBA Finals. Their relationship soured when Smith blamed Trump for the New York Knicks' performance. Following the dinner with Smith, Bill Maher, and Kid Rock, Trump indicated that Smith and Maher may appreciate him privately despite public pretenses. Additionally, Smith acknowledged Trump's willingness to address various issues during their conversation.

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By the Numbers

•Trump previously criticized Smith’s intelligence in June.
•Smith blamed Trump for the Knicks' Game 3 loss during the NBA Finals.
•The dinner included notable guests Bill Maher and Kid Rock.
•Trump called the dinner great and praised Smith after the event.
•Smith acknowledged Trump’s candidness during their discussion.

Latest Updates

11:45 AMYahoo Sports — President Trump has changed his mind on Stephen A. Smith

What they're saying

"
Back in June, President Donald Trump suggested that ESPN host Stephen A. Smith wasn’t smart enough to be president after Smith said he’d blame Trump if the New York Knicks lost Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Four months and one White House dinner later, Trump appears to be singing a very different tune. After…
— Yahoo Sports

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Yahoo SportsOct 18, 2026, 11:45 AM
President Trump has changed his mind on Stephen A. Smith
Back in June, President Donald Trump suggested that ESPN host Stephen A. Smith wasn’t smart enough to be president after Smith said he’d blame Trump if the New York Knicks lost Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Four months and one White House dinner later, Trump appears to be singing a very different tune. After…

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