Could Stephen A. Smith be the next celebrity President? Here's what we know

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, known for his larger-than-life personality and sharp takes on sports and culture, has long flirted with the idea of running for president, and recent developments suggest he may be taking the notion more seriously.

CBS national correspondent Robert Costa, who recently interviewed Smith, compared the experience to his interactions with Donald Trump before the former president's first campaign.

"Stephen A. Smith is moving closer to a 2028 campaign... spending a few days with him in recent months reminded me of spending a few days with Trump back in 2013-2014. Many laughed at the prospect of a bid. But in an age of celebrity and social media...," Costa wrote.

During a teaser for the interview, Smith admitted, "I was interrogated, but I did my best. I did my best," leaving the door open for speculation without committing to any plans.

The comments alone have sparked widespread discussion about the potential of a sports media figure entering the political arena, a trend that has become increasingly common in the United States.

Adding fuel to the speculation, President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the idea of Smith running in 2028. Speaking during a NewsNation town hall last year, Trump praised Smith's charisma and ability to entertain, qualities he considers vital in modern campaigns.

"I love watching him. He's got great entertainment skills, which is very important," Trump said. "People watch him. You know, a lot of these Democrats I watch, I say they have no chance. I've been pretty good at picking people and picking candidates. And I will tell you, I'd love to see him run."

While Smith clearly appreciated the praise, he has repeatedly insisted he is not letting Trump's comments dictate his thinking.

Regarding the president's remarks, he told reporters, "I'm not falling for it. It was nice to hear and I appreciated it, but obviously, it is what it is. I hear where he's coming from, but I wasn't thinking about it any more seriously than that."

Celebrity politics and public persona

Smith's potential bid highlights a growing intersection of celebrity and politics in the U.S.

In recent decades, figures known primarily for entertainment or media have leveraged their platforms to launch political careers, from Trump to actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger and even social media personalities exploring local office.

Smith's combination of national recognition, strong media presence, and ability to dominate cultural conversations positions him uniquely in this landscape.

Beyond politics, Smith maintains an active role in sports commentary and pop culture debates, often weighing in on major events such as Bad Bunny headlining the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show. His high visibility ensures that any public musings about political ambitions will be amplified by millions of viewers, social media users, and news outlets.

Whether Stephen A. Smith is seriously contemplating a presidential run or simply testing the waters with media engagements, his name has now entered the 2028 election conversation.

For observers of both politics and celebrity culture, his possible campaign represents the continuing trend of crossover figures challenging traditional norms of political candidacy.

As the 2028 election cycle draws closer, it remains to be seen whether Smith will formalize his intentions or keep teasing the prospect.