ESPN anchor Stephen A. Smith explains why he feels “concerned” about the removal of DEI measures after President Donald Trump signed a series of executive actions rolling back previous initiatives.
“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.
The ESPN anchor pointed to his and Cain’s previous discussions about DEI, saying that asking questions and talking about a society based on merit is “cool”.
“But there are others on the right who hide behind that phrase to mask how they really come across,” Smith explained, arguing that many conservatives are trying to “imply that everyone who was employed under DEI — that you’re certainly not. You’re not competent. You were not qualified.”
President Donald Trump signs documents as he issues executive orders and pardons for defendants Jan. 6 in the Oval Office of the White House on Inauguration Day in Washington, U.S., Jan. 20, 2025. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)
Since Trump’s inauguration on January 20, he has signed several executive orders related to DEI measures, one of which is “Ending radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferences.”
The president also signed “Ending unlawful discrimination and restoring opportunity based on merit“executive order.
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“Let’s be clear that we must not ignore why DEI came into existence in the first place. Because of the inequality in the system, people who were not employed before, competent individuals from minority communities across this country. [didn’t] they felt like they were being treated fairly,” Smith said.
Smith also pointed out Rooney That rule appeared in NFL recruiting practices. The rule is intended to increase the number of minorities hired in head coaching, general manager and executive positions, according to the NFL Operations page.
“Certainly, you would think you should be able to interview whoever you want. You shouldn’t be forced to interview an African-American candidate,” he said, before questioning why the policy would be enforced 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)
“She implemented that policy because of the inequities that have been implemented by various NFL owners throughout history. All I’m saying is let’s not forget that reality,” Smith asserted.
The sportscaster argued that with the repeal of the DEI measures, if the organization ended up with “seven, eight, nine different positions” that were all filled by white people, “you’re basically implying that all of these white people are the best candidates, and we couldn’t find anyone from another community who might be competent.”
Smith further explained that eradicating the DEI program and rethinking the hiring process, institutions would have to be careful to avoid an all-white workforce.
“[If] you know, 40% of applicants are 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 from the moment DEI is eradicated, then you’re sending the message that the only reason other people had those opportunities was because of DEI, not their qualifications,” he argued.
President Donald Trump holds a document on the day he issued executive orders and pardons for those charged on Jan. 6 in the Oval Office at the White House, Jan. 20, 2025. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)
“I’m saying you have to be careful and make sure that message doesn’t spread because it’s false,” he continued. “And history has proven it in many different circumstances. That’s all.”
When Smith, who did not vote for Trump, was asked about his overall view of the president and whether he would vote for him if he changed, he said he was rooting for him to succeed.
“I don’t know if I would vote for him because I don’t believe that chaos will not reign,” he said. “I’m not trying to call him authoritarian or whatever, but the White House, the Senate, you know, Congress, etc. That kind of total power makes me nervous, especially in the hands of someone like him who can be a little petty and things like that.”
Smith, who said he is an independent, revealed that he has voted Republican in the past and that he likes some liberal and conservative policies.
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“A successful presidency, in my opinion, is what benefits America, not him (President Trump). And if that means the right to vote, I will vote the right [the] of the next election i [the] elections after that. And the elections after that. I’m not ashamed to tell you,” Smith said.
