Trump-endorsed Stephen A. Smith says he's 'giving strong consideration' to a 2028 presidential run

Stephen A. Smith told CBS News he is "giving strong consideration" to a 2028 presidential run as a Democrat, and his remark follows a May town hall where President Trump said he would "love to see him run." Smith says he will spend 2026 studying policy and has not held elected office.

Stephen A. Smith told CBS News he is "giving strong consideration" to running for president in 2028 as a Democrat. The comment follows a May NewsNation town hall where President Trump said he would "love to see him run" and praised Smith's entertainment skills. Smith has said he has no desire to be a politician but is not ruling out a bid. He told CBS he plans to spend 2026 studying policy and issues. Key details: - President Trump publicly encouraged Smith at a May town hall and described him as having strong entertainment skills. - Smith told CBS he would run as a Democrat and said he is "giving strong consideration" to a 2028 campaign. - He has publicly criticized the Democratic Party at times, said he regretted voting for Kamala Harris, and described parts of the party as disappointing. - Smith has not held elected office and polled at about 2 percent in a 2025 Democratic primary survey. He signed an ESPN contract extension in 2025 that remained in place as of the reporting. - Smith said he has "no desire to be a politician" but will not rule out running, and the full CBS interview was reported to air Sunday. Summary: Smith's remarks add a prominent media figure to early discussion about the 2028 Democratic field. He says he will spend 2026 studying policy, the full CBS interview is set to air Sunday, and how political actors and voters respond is undetermined at this time.