ESPN host Stephen A. Smith said he felt “concerned” about removing DEI measures after President Donald Trump signed a slew of executive actions withdrawing previous initiatives.
“I'm concerned about it. I'm certainly not going to celebrate it because I don't like the way I think the right is handling this particular issue,” Smith told “The Will Cain Show” on Wednesday afternoon.
The ESPN host highlighted his past discussions with Cain about DEI, saying that asking questions and talking about A.J A meritocratic society It is “cool”.
“But there are others on the right who hide behind that verbiage to hide how they really look,” Smith explained, arguing that many conservatives are trying to “suggest that everyone who was hired under DEI — is that you definitely weren’t.” “I'm not qualified.”
President Donald Trump signs documents as he issues executive orders and pardons for defendants on January 6 in the Oval Office of the White House on Inauguration Day in Washington, U.S., 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 “Ending extreme, wasteful, and preferential government DEI programs“.
The President also signedEnd illegal discrimination and restore merit-based opportunities“Executive order.
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“Let's understand that we can't ignore why DEI existed. It was because of the inequities in the system, the people who were never hired before, the competent individuals from minority communities all over this country (didn't),” Smith said. They feel they are treated fairly.”
Smith also highlighted: Ronnie rules it Featured in NFL recruiting practices. The rule is intended to increase the number of minorities hired to head coach, general manager and executive positions, according to the NFL's operations page.
“Sure, you might think that you should be able to interview whoever you want. You shouldn't have to interview an African-American candidate,” he said, before asking why the policy was in place in the first place.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders at the White House on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) (Getty)
“This policy was implemented because of the inequity that has been practiced by many NFL owners throughout history,” Smith said. “All I'm saying is, let's not forget that fact.”
With DEI measures removed, if an organization ended up with “seven, eight, nine different positions” that were all white employees, the sports host said, “you're basically saying all these white people are the best and we couldn't find anyone “From any different community that could be eligible, that's what worries me.”
Smith further explained this through Eliminate DEI programs And reconsidering the hiring process, organizations must be careful to avoid having an all-white workforce.
“(If) you know, 40% of the nominees are African American or Latino or some combination of the two and 60% of them are white. Nobody's going to have a problem with that. But if 95 to 100% of them are White from the moment they're eliminated On DEI, you are sending the message that the only reason other people are getting these opportunities is because of DEI rather than their qualifications.”
President Donald Trump holds a document on the day he issues executive orders and pardons for those charged on January 6 in the Oval Office of the White House, January 20, 2025. (Reuters/Carlos Barria)
He continued: “I say you have to be aware and careful to make sure you don't spread this message because that's inaccurate.” “History has proven that in many different circumstances. That's all.”
When Smith, who did not vote for Trump, was asked about his general view of the president and whether he would vote for him if he ran for reelection, he said he was encouraged by his success.
“I don't know if I will vote for him because I don't trust that chaos will not prevail,” he said. “I'm not trying to call him authoritarian or anything, but the White House, the Senate, the Congress, etc., complete power like that makes me nervous, especially in the hands of someone like him who could be president.” A bit petty and things like that.”
Smith, who said he is an independent, revealed that he has voted Republican in the past and likes some liberal and conservative politics.
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“A successful presidency, to me, is what benefits America, not him (President Trump). And if that means voting correctly, then I will vote correctly in the next election and the election after that. And the election after that,” Smith said. “I’m not ashamed of your news”.
