Stephen Smith calls Trump an ‘upgrade’ over Biden despite Knicks feud

WASHINGTON, DC: Sports television personality Stephen A Smith surprised viewers by calling President Donald Trump an “upgrade” over former President Joe Biden despite their ongoing public feud over the New York Knicks.

The remark came after days of sharp exchanges between Smith and Trump. It also cut against Smith’s recent criticism of the president over his appearance at an NBA Finals game.

Stephen Smith praises Trump’s alertness

Speaking on CNN's 'State of the Union', Smith said he would not question the president’s alertness even while criticizing some of his decisions.

“Well, I don’t know anybody that would associate the word ‘sharp’ with [Trump] because he doesn’t seem that sharp with some of the decisions that he makes sometimes, to be quite honest with you,” Smith said.

Still, he drew a clear contrast with Biden.

“But I’m not here to denigrate or insult the President of the United States in that regard. He is certainly an upgrade from what we were seeing from Joe Biden in terms of his alertness and what have you,” Smith added. “I certainly would say that I would not accuse him of that. But I’m not going to insult the president.”

Smith maintained that Trump appeared to be “napping” during the Knicks game but downplayed the issue, saying the president has “got a lot on his plate.”

Stephen Smith challenges Trump’s IQ attacks

While offering Trump credit for alertness, Smith also pushed back against the president’s recent attacks on his intelligence.

“When he wants to sit up there and question my IQ and talk to me about people that would smoke me in a debate, well, why don’t you do it yourself?” Smith said.

He went further by inviting Trump to a direct debate.

“Because I’d be more than happy to sit across from the president and debate some of the decisions that he’s made. And I’m not interested in running or anything like that,” Smith said.

In a Truth Social post last week, Trump criticized the ESPN host.

“Stephen A. Smith is an arrogant fool, a low-IQ individual,” Trump wrote, adding that Smith was “totally unqualified” to run for political office and would be “annihilated in a debate.”

Trump and Stephen Smith feud over Knicks appearance

The dispute began after Smith criticized Trump’s decision to attend Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, calling the move “selfish” and “narcissistic.”

After the Knicks lost 115-111, Smith claimed Trump’s presence disrupted the team’s momentum and contributed to the defeat.

Trump later mocked Smith’s political prospects during comments to Fox News Digital.

“I think he’s a nice guy, but you need a certain aptitude to run for president,” Trump said. “You need a high IQ. I’m not sure that Stephen has that. I don’t think he does, actually.”

Even as the feud escalated, Smith appeared ready to move past the clash after the Knicks captured their first NBA championship in 53 years.

“The Knicks just won the title. I don’t give a s— about politics or anything like that,” Smith said. “I’ve waited all my life for this moment.”