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ESPN host Stephen A. Smith explains why he is “concerned” about the elimination of DEI measures after President Donald Trump signed a series of executive actions rolling back previous initiatives.
“I’m concerned about this. 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” Wednesday afternoon.
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The ESPN host highlighted previous discussions between him and Cain about DEI and said asking questions and talking about a merit based society It’s “great.”
“But there are others on the right who hide behind that verbiage to disguise how they really make the impression,” Smith explained, arguing that many conservatives are trying to “insinuate that everyone who was hired by DEI certainly wasn’t.” “. You were not competent. You were not qualified.
President Donald Trump signs documents as he issues executive orders and pardons for the January 6 defendants 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 the “End radical and wasteful government DEI preferences and programs“.
The president also signed the “End Illegal Discrimination and Restore Merit-Based Opportunities“executive order.
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“Let’s understand that we cannot ignore why the DEI came about. It was because of the inequalities in the system, because of people who were not hired before, competent individuals from minority communities throughout this country who (don’t) feel they are being treated fairly,” Smith said.
Smith also highlighted the Rooney rule that emerged in NFL recruiting practices. The rule is intended to increase the number of minorities hired in head coach, general manager and executive positions, according to the NFL Operations page.
“You would certainly think that you should be able to interview whoever you want. You shouldn’t be forced to interview an African-American candidate,” he said, before asking why such a policy would have been implemented 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)
“He implemented that policy because of the inequalities exercised by various NFL owners throughout history. All I’m saying is let’s not forget that reality,” Smith argued.
The sportscaster argued that with the elimination of DEI measures, if an organization ended up with “seven, eight, nine different positions” that were all hired by whites, “you’re basically implying that all of those white people are the best.” candidates, and we couldn’t find anyone from any different community who might be competent.
Smith further explained that eradicate DEI programs and reviewing the hiring process, institutions should be careful to avoid an entirely white workforce.
“(If) you know, 40% of the candidates are African American or Latino or a combination of both and 60% of them are white. Nobody is going to have a problem with that. But if between 95 and 100% of them are White from the moment DEI is eradicated, it sends the message that the only reason other people had those opportunities was because of DEI and not because of their grades,” he argued.
President Donald Trump holds a document on the day he issues executive orders and pardons for the January 6 defendants in the Oval Office of the White House, January 20, 2025. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)
“I’m saying you have to be careful and make sure that message doesn’t spread because it’s inaccurate,” he continued. “And history has shown that 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 given a second chance, he said he supports his success.
“I don’t know if I would vote for him because I don’t trust that chaos won’t reign,” he said. “I’m not trying to call him authoritarian or anything, but the White House, the Senate, you know, Congress, etc., total power like that makes me nervous, especially in the hands of someone like him, who can be an un little mean and things like that.”
Smith, who said he is an independent, revealed that he has voted Republican in the past and likes some liberal as well as conservative policies.
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“To me, a successful presidency is what benefits America, not him (President Trump). And if that means voting well, I will vote well in the next election and the one after that. And the election after that. . No I’m embarrassed to tell you,” Smith said.
