Stephen A Smith defends Trump, torches Dems on Iran: 'You got a lot of damn nerves'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sports commentator and political voice Stephen A Smith defended President Donald Trump over his action against Iran, arguing that critics opposing the move were being inconsistent.

Speaking on 'Real Time with Bill Maher' on Saturday, March 28, Smith said that the outrage ignored years of bipartisan rhetoric that labeled Iran a serious threat requiring action.

Stephen A Smith questions backlash by Democrats

Smith began by laying out the broader context behind his argument. “Let’s also remember, you got a lot of people that felt like they’re taking this position that Trump was wrong to go after Iran,” he said.

He then pointed to a long-standing political consensus.

“Practically every president before him complained about Iran and how Iran needed to be dealt with,” Smith noted, highlighting that the issue had been repeatedly emphasized across administrations.

That, he argued, made the current reaction difficult to justify. 

“But then all of a sudden Trump does it, and it’s a big problem,” he said, before adding, “It doesn’t really make sense. It’s a lack of consistency.”

Smith escalated his tone with a pointed remark aimed at Trump’s detractors.

“You got a lot of damn nerves to be in the face of the American people, saying for numerous administrations, Iran is a problem. They have to be dealt with,” he said.

He continued, reinforcing the contradiction: “Iran is a problem. They have to be dealt with. And then this man deals with them, and then all of a sudden you’re complaining about him now.”

Stephen A Smith slams Democratic leadership

Smith also widened his criticism to Democratic leadership, taking aim at Gavin Newsom.

“And the Democrats, my God, please find somebody that can lead,” he said, arguing that political messaging had overtaken governance.

He added, “Gavin Newsom is out here, trolling Trump more than he’s actually doing in the state of California,” before concluding, “They think that’s leadership. Because they DON’T have it.”

When host Bill Maher referenced Newsom’s comment about Democrats needing to become more “culturally normal,” Smith responded bluntly, “He needs to get more culturally normal, it’s just the truth.”

Smith also pointed to political developments in New York, questioning rising figures like Zohran Mamdani.

“Do we really think that Zohran Mamdani was the most qualified candidate? Come on now! We know better!” he said, adding, “I’m not disrespecting him. He had NEVER done anything.”

Referencing party dynamics, Smith argued that established leaders were being sidelined, suggesting figures like Chuck Schumer were “at the mercy” of shifting voter priorities.