On his SiriusXM show “Straight Shooter,” Stephen A. Smith harshly criticized the Trump administration and supported Howard Stern in canceling Disney+ over Kimmel’s suspension. The ESPN personality was blunt in what he believes is government overstepping.
“It is clear that there is some overreach going on with the Trump administration,” Smith declared during his broadcast. “It is clear that they are flexing a little bit too much and a bit too excessively”, Smith explained on his show (5:54)
“I’m very alarmed by it and I agree with Howard Stern,” Smith went on to say.
Smith’s comments were made after Stern stated he’d be canceling Disney+ as a way of protesting, and voiced his support for Stern. Kimmel had just come off a nine-day suspension from his late-night show for comments made about executed activist Charlie Kirk that led major station companies to take down the programs.
The sport commentator was most specifically disappointed in Pentagon leadership, specifically Pete Hegseth. Smith’s commentary focused on the strange path that can lead a weekend host of Fox News into one of the most powerful government leadership positions.
The more grave allegations Smith made were concerning a new Pentagon policy that would require unclassified information to be approved before being highlighted to the public. Smith expressed that this new policy would be a true violation of the freedoms of the press and constitutional rights.
“You see what the Pentagon is doing in terms of wanting even unclassified information to go through them before it’s published or printed for public consumption. Talk about infringing on First Amendment rights”, Smith stated (6:17).
Smith’s criticism comes at an interesting time, as Jimmy Kimmel made his return after being suspended due to alleged inflammatory comments pertaining to conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s murder. After the end of his blackout, Kimmel’s program “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” enjoyed strong ratings with its first episode back, garnering 6.3 million viewers in traditional TV ratings.
Stephen A. Smith Ventures Into Political Commentary With New Show “Straight Shooter”
Smith’s analysis of politics has transitioned into the spotlight since the start of his political show, “Straight Shooter” on SiriusXM. The two-hour show is a major extension of his media empire, which now earns him nearly $40 million a year across different platforms.
Smith’s willingness to address controversial political subject matter through his work shows the stage of a larger transition in his career strategy. While Smith still works with his flagship role on ESPN’s “First Take,” his newfound interest in politics presents a very interesting side of his career, especially to sports fans.
Read More:
- Stephen A. Smith Defends Calling Out Jimmy Kimmel Over Charlie Kirk Statements Despite Personal Repercussions: “Could Give Less Of A Damn”
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- Analyst Goes Scorched Earth On Stephen A. Smith For Viral Jimmy Kimmel Rant: “F***ing Idiot”
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