Trump deserves credit. Shaq deserves better. Stephen A. Smith explains why he’s giving Donald Trump credit for additional HBCU funding and defending Shaquille O’Neal against backlash over his appearance with FBI Director Kash Patel. Coming to you from Brazil, Stephen A. breaks down his concerns about DEI rollbacks, the impact on historically Black colleges and universities, and why he wants to interview President Trump. Then, he responds to D.L. Hughley and Van Lathan’s comments about Shaq, challenges the criticism surrounding his honorary FBI recognition, and explains why decades of giving back shouldn’t be dismissed. Can you criticize an administration while giving it credit? And does engaging with people in power mean you’re selling out? Stephen A. makes his case. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Stephen A. checks in from Brazil 01:06 Giving Trump credit for HBCU funding 03:52 Breaking down the funding numbers 05:26 HBCU Week, DEI & Black achievement 07:13 How DEI rollbacks affect HBCU support 09:22 Why engaging with people in power matters 10:32 Stephen A. wants to interview Trump 13:02 Shaq’s FBI honor sparks backlash 15:26 Stephen A. defends Shaq’s record of giving back 16:33 Reacting to criticism of Shaq & Kash Patel 18:11 Why Stephen A. rejects guilt by association 21:38 D.L. Hughley’s criticism & Stephen A.’s response 25:05 Challenging the claim that “we get nothing” 26:01 UNCF’s statement on HBCU funding 29:08 Asking for the benefit of the doubt for Shaq 30:11 Van Lathan’s analogy about Shaq 33:11 Why Stephen A. disagrees with Van Lathan 36:03 Ice Cube, Steve Harvey & political backlash 37:46 Stephen A.’s final message to Shaq’s critics #StephenASmith #DonaldTrump #Shaq https://sxm.app.link/YouTubeSAS Connect with me on social media: Twitter: https://x.com/stephenasmith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenasmith/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephenasmith Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephena/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-a-smith-763b31194/
Donald Trump
“I intend to keep it. I can argue with this president... about the decisions he's made.”
Shaquille O'Neal
“You see, I'm getting ready to talk about Shaquille O'Neal.”
Van Lathan
“Van Lathan’s analog.”
Kash Patel
“Defending Shaquille O'Neal against backlash over his appearance with FBI Director Kash Patel.”

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