Nick Wright Isn’t on Board with Stephen A. Smith Possibly Becoming the Next US President

Nick Wright does not want to see Stephen A. Smith succeed Donald Trump in the White House.

Nick Wright Isn’t on Board with Stephen A. Smith Possibly Becoming the Next US President

Donald Trump, Stephen A. Smith and Nick Wright inside the circle (image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Nick Wright opposes the idea of Stephen A. Smith running for president, citing concerns about celebrity politicians.
  • Wright compares Smith to Donald Trump, suggesting both are celebrity-turned-politicians lacking the necessary political experience.
  • Smith has expressed confidence in addressing national issues but faces skepticism regarding his suitability for the presidency.

Nick Wright doesn’t want to be part of the Stephen A. Smith bandwagon as the longtime ESPN contributor looks to throw his name in the mix for the presidency. Wright firmly acknowledged Smith’s influence as a public figure, but at the same time, he’s not sold on the idea of seeing the veteran as the next head of state.

During a recent episode of the “What’s Wright Show,” a podcast that delves into subjects other than sports and focuses on the country’s sociopolitical landscape, Wright disclosed the fundamental reason for his refusal to back Smith.

If we were to go from President [Donald] Trump], to President Stephen A. Smith, then that’s what the office becomes. A version of like royal family in England, where it is not a figure in the position that has power, but if the next president is a celebrity turned politician, then I just think that’s what presidents will be from there on.

Nick Wright said

So, effectively, Wright insinuated that Smith is in the same situation as Trump, a celebrity-turned-politician with dreams of one day representing the United States on the world stage. Wright bluntly concluded his hypothesis by saying, “I don’t think that’s what’s best for the nation.”

Part of Wright’s skepticism derives from Smith’s on-air persona. For many years, the 58-year-old has provided fiery opinions on several different shows. Furthermore, he has managed to hold his own against other, more powerful figures. For instance, Smith’s feud with NBA star LeBron James is legendary. The pair was even seen exchanging tense words on the court last year.

Wright may disagree, but Smith has enough vigor to draw attention to himself, a quality that political parties search for in a candidate before backing them. Smith once confidently stated that he knew how to fix the long-running border situation, which the Trump administration has struggled to address.

We wouldn’t have a border crisis under my watch. Hell no. We wouldn’t have this crime that exists on the streets of New York; you wouldn’t hear about me saying ‘Defund the police‘.

Stephen A. Smith had said

Stephen A. Smith gives his honest take on the Jets being linked to Kirk Cousins

Politics aside, Smith goes all out while discussing football. Recently, he reacted to the New York Jets possibly signing Kirk Cousins to bolster their quarterback room after a disappointing 2025 season.

Nick Wright Isn't on Board with Stephen A. Smith Possibly Becoming the Next US President
Kirk Cousins (Image via IMAGO)

The Jets won just three games in Aaron Glenn‘s first year as the head coach of the Gang Green. Glenn went through three different signal callers, even giving a debut to rookie Brady Cook. With the new season around the corner, the Jets are on the lookout for an experienced campaigner to steer the ship as Justin Fields‘ future stays in the loop.

Smith caught whiff of the news and blasted his hometown team for ever considering the aging Kirk Cousins as their next signal caller. Speaking on First Take, Smith highlighted that the Jets boast a decent offensive line comprised of Olu Fashanu, Armand Membou, and Joe Tippmann, followed by skill players Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. However, he doesn’t view Cousins as the savior for the Jets.

Kirk Cousins on that turf in East Rutherford, New Jersey? Have you lost your mind? Kirk Cousins in New York, in that market? Are you insane?… You want to hear about Kirk Cousins in New York City, the media capital of the world, with some of the mistakes that he’s made and the injury issues that he’s had as well? Oh no, you don’t want that.

Smith said

Clearly, Smith wants someone else to start under center if Fields decides to leave. Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray are two names linked to the Jets’ QB job in recent days.

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