Trump, Stephen A. Smith Escalate NBA Finals–Fueled Feud
Smith blamed Trump for the Knicks’ loss after the president attended Game 3 and faced boos, delays and heavy security at Madison Square Garden.
- President Donald Trump made history as the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Madison Square Garden.
- Criticizing the visit before tipoff, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith labeled Trump’s attendance as "selfish" and "narcissistic," arguing the president’s presence would disrupt the New York Knicks’ playoff momentum.
- Heightened security, including street closures and canceled watch parties, impacted Midtown Manhattan as the Knicks lost 115-111 to the San Antonio Spurs, ending their 13-game postseason winning streak.
- Following the loss, Trump called Smith a "low IQ" individual, prompting the ESPN personality to respond on First Take by challenging the president to a debate while reiterating that the visit disrupted the team’s "mojo."
- Due to "scheduling conflicts and obligations," Trump is not expected to attend Game 4 at MSG on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as the Knicks attempt to regain control of the series.
112 Articles
112 Articles
Stephen A Smith fires back and challenges Trump to a debate showdown
ESPN commentator and Sirius XM host Stephen A. Smith continued his ongoing feud with President Trump, telling him that his personal attacks aren’t “gonna work.” The war of words began over Smith’s harsh criticism of Trump’s decision to attend the Game 3 Finals NY Knicks game, citing logistical nightmares and a distraction for the team. “This president has no business showing up in New York City,” Smith said on Monday before the game. “I am dead …
President Trump said Stephen A. Smith lacks the IQ to run for president. Then Smith fired back: 'I could put my IQ against yours'
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith publicly responded to President Donald Trump after the president commented on Smith’s intelligence and suggested he lacked what it takes to run for office, according to The Hill. The exchange came in the days following Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York City. Trump made his remarks after a reporter asked him to respond to Smith’s earlier on-air comment that if the New York Knick…
Donald Trump calls Stephen A. Smith 'dumb as a rock' amid ongoing feud
Donald Trump called ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith an "arrogant fool" on Wednesday, the latest in an ongoing heated exchange between the two that sparked last week over Trump's decision to attend an NBA Finals game.
CNN's Jones Rips 'President Buzzkill' For Attending NBA Finals, 'People Don't Like Trump'
CNN's Jones Rips 'President Buzzkill' For Attending NBA Finals, 'People Don't Like Trump' In the aftermath of the New York Knicks game two win of their NBA Final Series against the Spurs in San Antonio last Friday, the left wing media became obsessed with the news that President Trump, a lifelong Knicks fan, would dare to attend Game 3 on Monday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump had been invited by Knicks owner James Dolan, some…
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