ESPN host Stephen A. Smith explains why he feels “concerned” about the removal of DEI measures after President Donald Trump signed a series of executive actions that roll back previous efforts.
“I’m concerned about it. I’m certainly not going to celebrate it because I don’t like the way I believe the right is handling this issue,” Smith told “The Will Cain Show” Wednesday afternoon.
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The ESPN host highlighted her and Cain’s previous conversations about DEI, saying that asking questions and talking about a community based on beauty is “good.”
“But there are others on the right who hide behind that name to hide where they came from,” Smith explained, arguing that many conservatives are trying to “say that everybody who’s hired under the DEI — that you didn’t really exist. You don’t deserve it.
President Donald Trump signs documents as he issues executive orders and pardons for defendants January 6 in the Oval Office at the White House on Inauguration Day in Washington, US, January 20, 2025. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)
Since Trump’s inauguration on January 20, he has signed several executive orders surrounding DEI measures, one of which is “Plans to End Radical And Wasteful Government DEI and Preferences.”
The president also signed an order to “End Unlawful Discrimination and Restore Opportunity Based on Respect”.
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“Let’s understand that we cannot ignore why the existence of DEI was there. It was because of the inequality in the system, people who were never employed before, talented people from small communities all over this country. [didn’t] they feel like they’re being treated fairly,” said Smith.
Smith also highlighted the Rooney Rule that emerged from the NFL’s recruiting practices. The law aims to increase the number of minorities employed in the head coach, general manager, and executive positions, according to the NFL Operations page.
“Sure, you’d think you should be able to negotiate with whoever you want. You shouldn’t be forced to negotiate with an African-American,” he said, before questioning why that policy would be used in the first place.
Washington, DC – January 20: President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders at the White House on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jabin Botsford / The Washington Post via Getty Images) (Getty)
“It implemented that policy because of the inequity of the various owners of the NFL spanning history. All I’m saying is, let’s not forget that fact,” argued Smith.
The sports host argued that with the removal of the DEI measures, if the organization could end up with “seven, eight, nine different positions” that were employed by Whites, “basically it means that all those White people are the best candidates, and we couldn’t find anyone from any community that might be competent.”
Smith went on to explain that by ending the DEI programs and revising the hiring process, agencies will have to be careful to avoid White employees entirely.
“[If] You know, 40% of the electorate is African-American or Latino or a combination of both and 60% of them are White. No one will have a problem with that. But if 95 to 100% of them are White since the end of DEI, then it sends a message that the only reason some people got those opportunities was because of DEI as opposed to their qualifications,” he said.
President Donald Trump holds a document on the day he issued orders and pardons to defendants on January 6 in the Oval Office at the White House, January 20, 2025. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)
“I say you must be careful and take care that that message is not spread because that is wrong,” he continued. “And history has confirmed that in many different cases. That’s all.”
When Smith, who did not vote for Trump, was asked about his general opinion of the president and whether he would vote for him if he had a do-over, he said that he is focused on his success.
“I don’t know if I will vote for him because I don’t believe that the unrest will not be controlled,” he said. “I’m not trying to call him an authority or anything, but the White House, the Senate, you know, Congress, etc., that kind of absolute power makes me nervous, especially in the hands of someone like him who might be a member of Congress. little things and things like that.”
Smith, who said he is an independent, said he has voted Republican in the past and favors liberal and conservative policies.
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“Being a successful president, to me, is what benefits America, not him (President Trump). And if that means voting right, I will vote right. [the] next election and [the] election after that. And the election after that. I’m not ashamed to tell you,” said Smith.
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