ESPN host Stephen A. Smith explains why he's "concerned" about the rollback of DEI measures after President Donald Trump signed a series of executive actions rolling back previous measures.
"I'm concerned about it. I'm certainly not going to celebrate it because I don't like the way I think the right wing is approaching this particular issue," Smith told "The Will Cain Show" Wednesday afternoon.
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The ESPN host highlighted a previous discussion he and Kane had about DEI, saying it was "cool" to ask questions and talk about a merit-based society.
“But there are other people on the right who hide behind this bullshit to hide how they really feel,” Smith explained. He believes that many conservatives try to “suggest to everyone who is hired under DEI that you’re certainly not qualified. ”
On Inauguration Day in Washington, DC, USA, January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed documents in the Oval Office of the White House, issuing an executive order and pardoning the defendants on January 6. (Reuters/Carlos Barria)
Since Trump took office on January 20, he has signed several executive orders on DEI measures, one of which is to “end aggressive and wasteful government DEI programs and preferences.”
The President also signed the “Ending Unlawful Discrimination and Restoring Merit-based Opportunity” executive order.
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"Let's be clear, we can't lose sight of why DEI exists. It's because of inequities in the system, people who haven't been employed before, capable people from minority communities across the country (don't feel like they're being treated fairly," Smith said.
Smith also highlighted the emergence of the Rooney Rule in NFL recruiting practices. According to the NFL operations page, the rule is intended to increase the number of minorities in head coaching, general manager and executive positions.
"Of course, you would think that you should be able to interview anyone you want. You shouldn't be forced to interview African-American candidates," he said, before asking why the policy was implemented in the first place.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders at the White House on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) (Getty)
"The reason it implements this policy is because of the inequalities that have been practiced by various NFL owners historically. What I'm saying is, let's not forget that reality," Smith argued.
The sportscaster argued that with DEI measures rolled back, if an organization ends up having "seven, eight, nine different positions" with all white employees, "you're basically implying that all of these White people are the best” candidates, but we can’t find competent people from any diverse community, and that’s my concern. "
Smith further explained that agencies need to be careful to avoid an entirely white workforce by eliminating DEI programs and revisiting hiring processes.
"(If) you know, 40 percent of the candidates are African American or Latino or a combination of the two, and 60 percent of them are white. No one would have a problem with that. But if 95 to 100 percent are white The moment DEI is eradicated, you send the message that the only reason other people have these opportunities is because of DEI, not their qualifications," he argued.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump held a document in the Oval Office of the White House on the day he issued an executive order and pardoned the January 6 defendants. (Reuters/Carlos Barria)
"I mean, you have to be careful and make sure that information doesn't spread because it's inaccurate," he continued. "History has proven that in a lot of different situations. That's it."
While Smith didn't vote for Trump, when asked about his overall opinion of the president and whether he would vote for him if he had it to do over, he said he supported his success.
"I don't know if I'm going to vote for him because I don't believe chaos won't spread," he said. "I'm not trying to call him a dictator or anything, but the complete power of the White House, the Senate, you know, Congress, etc., makes me nervous, especially in the hands of someone like him who can be a dictator. It's kind of petty. Something like that.”
Smith, who describes himself as an independent, revealed that he has voted Republican in the past and favors some liberal and conservative policies.
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“To me, a successful presidency is good for America, not him (President Trump). If it means voting right, I will vote right in the next election and the election after that. And the election after that I don’t Not ashamed to tell you,” Smith said.