Donald Trump Criticizes Stephen A. Smith’s Intelligence Following Knicks Game

United States President Donald Trump made a high-profile appearance at Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. The atmosphere was electric as the New York Knicks looked to capitalize on their 2-0 series lead against the San Antonio Spurs. However, the evening took a turn for the home team, as the Spurs secured a victory, narrowing the series gap and shifting the momentum of the Finals.

The President’s attendance had been a subject of speculation leading up to the game, with some fans jokingly—and others seriously—fearing that his presence might bring a “curse” upon the Knicks. Among those vocal about the potential impact was Stephen A. Smith, who famously suggested that any potential loss for the Knicks would be directly attributable to the President’s arrival at the arena.

Following the game, as he prepared to depart New York, the President addressed these comments directly. When asked about the ESPN analyst’s critique, he offered a sharp rebuttal regarding the broadcaster’s intellectual capacity.

“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 Stephen A Smith has that.”

The exchange highlights the ongoing intersection of sports media and national politics. While the President’s remarks have drawn criticism for their tone, the sports world remains focused on the upcoming games. Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday at Madison Square Garden, with the series set to return to San Antonio for Game 5 this weekend. As the Knicks look to regain their footing, the media landscape—and the commentary from figures like Smith—will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in the narrative surrounding this championship run.