President Donald Trump on Tuesday labeled ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith a “low IQ” individual, escalating a feud sparked by Smith’s sharp criticism of Trump’s plans to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.
Smith, a longtime Knicks fan and one of the network’s most prominent voices, had urged Trump not to attend Monday night’s game between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, calling the visit “selfish,” “narcissistic” and “ridiculous.” He argued that the president’s presence would create massive traffic disruptions in Midtown Manhattan and potentially harm the team’s performance and the city’s championship “vibe.”
“If they lose tonight, I’m looking right at him,” Smith said on “First Take,” according to multiple reports. “I’m blaming the President of the United States of America if the New York Knicks lose this tonight.”
Trump, who became the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game, responded sharply on social media and in comments, dismissing Smith as a “low IQ” critic. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the president and high-profile sports media figures, even as Smith has previously engaged with Trump on various topics, including receiving business advice from him years ago.
The Knicks ultimately fell in Game 3, though no direct causal link to the presidential visit was established beyond the expected security and logistical impacts common for such high-profile events. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and local officials had prepared for the added complexities.
Smith has positioned his remarks as non-political, emphasizing the practical effects on fans and the city rather than policy differences. He said he would voice the same concerns about any president, naming former leaders like Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan.
The back-and-forth comes amid Smith’s increased political commentary in recent years. The outspoken host has drawn both praise and backlash for weighing in on issues beyond sports, including past exchanges involving Trump and Democratic figures. Trump has a history of using “low IQ” as a descriptor for critics across the political spectrum.
Reactions poured in quickly on social media, with some users viewing Trump’s retort as typical banter and others interpreting it through lenses of race and media dynamics. Smith has not yet issued a direct on-air response as of early Tuesday evening, though fans anticipate a fiery monologue.
The incident underscores the intersection of sports, politics and celebrity in 2026. With the NBA Finals continuing and Trump’s schedule keeping him in the spotlight, the verbal sparring is likely to fuel further debate on talk radio, podcasts and social platforms.
