Stephen A Smith calls Trump an 'upgrade' compared to Biden amid New York Knicks feud
Stephen A. Smith and Donald Trump Trade Barbs Over Knicks Game 3 Attendance
By the Staff Writer – Maine News Now
September 9, 2026
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith and former President Donald Trump have continued a public feud that began over Trump’s decision to attend Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals in New York City. The exchange has drawn attention from the White House, social‑media platforms and the sports‑media community.
The Spark
On Monday, the Knicks lost Game 3 of the Finals to the San Antonio Spurs 115‑111. Smith, who had previously criticized Trump’s presence at the Madison Square Garden event, accused the former president of being “selfish” and “narcissistic.” Smith said the president’s attendance disrupted the Knicks’ momentum and, according to him, contributed to the loss.
Trump responded on Truth Social on Wednesday with a scathing message that called Smith “an arrogant fool, a low IQ individual … totally unqualified to ever think of running for high political office.” Trump’s post also compared Smith’s political ambitions unfavorably to those of President Joe Biden.
Smith’s Rebuttal
In a Sunday interview with Fox News Digital, Smith countered Trump’s criticism and added that Trump was “an upgrade” compared with Biden. He explained that, in terms of alertness, Trump was “more sharp” than the sitting president, although he noted that Trump had “napped” during the Knicks game. Smith said he would not “denigrate or insult” the former president but acknowledged that Trump had made “some decisions that don’t seem sharp.”
When asked whether the president’s presence was a distraction, Smith shrugged off concerns about Trump’s “got a lot on his plate.” He also challenged Trump’s earlier comment about Smith’s intelligence, asking why Trump would “defer to anybody else” when he himself could “sit across from the president and debate some of the decisions that he’s made.”
White House and Trump’s Comments
The White House, in a statement to Fox News Digital, referred to Trump’s Truth Social post and reiterated that the president was “not going to happen” in the sense of Smith’s earlier speculation that Trump might run for office again. Trump, meanwhile, continued to mock Smith’s presidential aspirations in a brief comment on the same platform, stating, “You need a high IQ. I’m not sure Stephen has that. I don’t think he does.”
The Knicks’ Victory and a Call for Calm
After the Knicks secured the championship on Saturday—ending a 53‑year title drought—Smith appeared ready to put politics aside. He told OutKick/Fox News Digital that he was “not going to let anything get in the way of that” and that he would “not give a s‑about politics.” Smith said he would “not care” if people questioned him tomorrow or on Tuesday, emphasizing that the focus was on the team’s historic win.
Current Status
The feud has largely stayed within the realm of media comments, with no formal legal action or direct confrontation reported. Trump’s post has generated a flurry of reactions on social media, while Smith’s “upgrade” claim has sparked debate among commentators about the relative performance of the current and former presidents.
The incident highlights how sports events can become flashpoints for broader political disputes, especially when high‑profile figures from the world of sports and politics engage in public criticism of each other. Whether the tension will subside after the Knicks’ triumph remains to be seen.