Stephen A. Smith has some interesting views on immigration and the police.

The pundit used a national interview to lay out blunt positions on immigration and public safety that many listeners read as an early political audition. Speaking with political journalist Robert Costa for a segment airing on CBS, Smith pushed a hard line on border security and policing. 

“I’ll be damned if I’m going to have less police officers out there. There’s going to be more—that’s me!” He added that he would not back calls to “defund the police.” 

Renowned for his fiery commentary, Smith shared his views on the complexities of immigration and border security, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reform. “We wouldn’t have a border crisis under my watch. Hell no!”

Smith believes that his platform could bridge the gap between sports and societal issues, providing a unique perspective often missing in political discourse. His outspoken nature, which has earned him both fans and critics, may serve him well if he decides to enter the political arena.

Smith didn’t offer a formal campaign announcement, but the language was unmistakably campaign-style: direct promises, short declarative lines, and an appeal to voters worried about law and order. He tied economic opportunity to safety, saying, “I believe when you have something to lose, you know how to behave,” using the idea of prosperity as a tool to reduce crime. The combination of tough security rhetoric plus economic messaging put the interview in the same conversation as other celebrity-to-candidate moments. 

The reaction was swift. Clips of Smith’s remarks circulated on social platforms, and people debated seriousness versus spectacle. Some viewers treated his remarks like an exploratory step toward running for office in 2028, while others dismissed the talk as media bravado. Smith said he’s not ruling out a run, while stopping short of a formal campaign announcement. 

While some may view this as an unconventional move, Smith’s popularity and ability to connect with a diverse audience could resonate with voters looking for authenticity and change. The border crisis, a contentious topic affecting millions, could be a central issue in his campaign, as he aims to bring attention to the human aspects often overshadowed by political rhetoric.