Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has defended his meeting with President Donald Trump, saying he used the White House visit to press the president on how the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives is affecting philanthropy to historically Black colleges and universities. Speaking on his "Straight Shooter" show, Smith said he came away with a commitment from Trump to address the issue.
Smith said his main priority was to raise concerns that the dismantling of DEI programs has discouraged corporate leaders in the private sector from giving to HBCUs, because they fear such donations could be seen as DEI activity. "I needed the president to speak out against that," Smith said. He added that Trump told him he had not considered that effect, said he intended to tackle it, and followed up with a phone call assuring Smith that the issue would be raised when he meets with HBCU officials in the coming days. Smith said he did not know what would result, but argued that he had made the attempt.
The meeting took place at the White House on Oct. 15 and also included comedian Bill Maher and musician Kid Rock. Smith said he was responding to critics of the appearance, and on the show he asked them, "What the f--- are you doing?" He argued that people who complained had not done enough themselves and that it was never enough to talk about problems in the Black community without taking steps to address them. He also said he would not apologize for the meeting.
Smith also directed criticism at comedian D.L. Hughley, who had questioned on the "Uncertain" podcast why Trump appeared comfortable talking with Smith when the president has shown an aversion to people who challenge him. Hughley also asked why people who disdain Smith's peers seemed to like him. Smith responded that he was tired of people complaining about what needed to be done in the community while disparaging those who try to act, and called Hughley's remarks a rhetorical question that he said amounted to complaining without action.
Smith made similar points on an appearance on "The View" on Wednesday. Co-host Sunny Hostin asked him whether he thought the meeting had accomplished anything, given Trump's record on racial bias. Smith said, "I don't know. We'll find out, but he's the president of the United States, and I'll be damned if I'm not going to try," framing his approach as a constitutional matter. He also said Trump would remain in office until 2028 and that people would have to deal with that reality.
Fox News contributor Joe Concha, in a statement to Fox News Digital, praised Smith, Maher and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman for engaging with people they may disagree with, citing the White House dinner. Concha said the trend on the left was to shut down opposing views through censorship or otherwise discourage debate.
The episode highlights a broader debate over how public figures engage with a president whose policies on race and diversity remain contested. Smith's stated goal was a specific policy outcome, support for HBCU philanthropy, while critics questioned whether private assurances from the White House would translate into action. Whether Trump's planned meeting with HBCU officials produces concrete results has yet to be determined.