Stephen A Smith says Donald Trump won't 'go away quietly' and his hush money case conviction points to civil war

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Sports journalist Stephen A Smith claimed that Donald Trump and his followers are still powerful and it could spark discourse in the country despite the guilty verdict. The 77-year-old became the first former president to be a convicted felon in American history, on Thursday, May 30. 

The 45th president, and presumed Republican nominee this year, was found guilty of all 34 counts he faced in his hush money trial.

Stephen A Smith reacted to the verdict on his YouTube show

The media mogul expressed his immediate reaction to Trump's guilty verdict, saying that he was "scared as hell" on his YouTube show, per Fox News.

"It all points to civil war in this country . . . ." Smith said. "We're all pawns. We're all subject to the mercy of politicians who find a way to manipulate the system and ultimately manipulate us. . . . That's a concern I had before January 6, when the U.S. Capitol was stormed by a bunch of Trump supporters. I've had it ever since, I have it now, because Trump is not going to go away quietly."

Stephen A Smith does not want Joe Biden re-elected

Although Smith previously stated that Joe Biden shouldn't serve a second term as president, this does not guarantee that Trump will win his support. Smith claims that the verdict is unrelated to his feelings toward the former president in any case.

"It ain't about Trump being in jail, it ain't about him being a convicted felon. I don't want him to be the President of the United States, period," Smith quipped. "Because I think he's divisive, and I think he will serve to divide America."

Smith used Trump's claims that the trial was "rigged" by a "crooked" judge to support his points of contention. "The man is a problem. He's not about galvanizing and bringing people together who don't support him, only those who do. I think he puts himself above America."

Hush money trial prosecutors successfully proved Donald Trump falsified business records

Prosecutors needed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump had fabricated financial records to hide a $130,000 payment to former adult actress Stormy Daniels in the run-up to the 2016 election, which was meant to quiet her about an alleged 2006 affair. They were ultimately successful. However, Trump refuted the affair throughout the trial. 

The sentencing is scheduled to take place on July 11, just four days before the Republican National Convention. Each count carries a maximum prison sentence of four years. In total, Trump faces a maximum sentence of 136 years behind bars.

Internet infers Stephen A Smith is 'not wrong'

Netizens gave mixed opinions after Smith's remarks concerning Trump's conviction. One X user agreed with Smith, tweeting, "He’s not wrong. That’s the direction we’re headed in."

"Not war just closing blue areas from food and energy completely controlled by red areas. What does blue controlled areas provide," wrote another.

However, one user disagreed as he tweeted, "We’re not close to civil war. Americans can’t even get off the couch. We’re fine."

One bashed Smith, saying, "He has no idea! By stating this, he is promoting it! He should stick to sports. He’s not always right about that either!….Dallas Mavericks."

"Let the games begin," echoed one while another chimed in, "Yup. And it won't last long."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.