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Stephen A Smith calls Trump an ‘upgrade’ compared to Biden amid New York Knicks feud

Published June 15, 2026 · Updated June 15, 2026 · By David Thomas

Stephen A. Smith Calls Trump an 'Upgrade' Over Biden Amid Knicks Feud

Stephen A Smith calls Trump an upgrade - Stephen A. Smith has sparked a new round of debate by labeling former President Donald Trump as an "upgrade" compared to current President Joe Biden, a claim made during an interview that has intensified their recent rivalry. The remark, which highlights Smith’s evolving stance on Trump, comes as the Knicks’ Game 3 loss at Madison Square Garden reignited their public clashes. While Smith initially criticized Trump for attending the game, he later praised the former president’s "sharpness" and questioned Biden’s political agility, underscoring the dynamic nature of their feud.

Public Clash Over Knicks Game

Smith’s comments emerged in the aftermath of Trump’s decision to watch the Knicks play, a move the host had previously called "selfish" and "narcissistic." During the game, Smith noted Trump’s apparent drowsiness, suggesting the former president was out of touch. However, after the Knicks' unexpected victory, Smith reversed his position, arguing that Trump’s presence demonstrated clarity and political acumen. This shift reflects the ongoing tension between the two figures, who use the Knicks’ game as a stage for their ideological and personal critiques.

“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 he makes sometimes, to be quite honest with you,” Smith said.

Trump's Counterattack on Smith's IQ

In response, Trump launched a sharp attack on Smith’s intelligence, calling him "an arrogant fool, a low IQ individual" on his Truth Social platform. The former president mocked Smith as "dumb as a rock" and claimed he was "totally unqualified" to run for political office, asserting that he would be "annihilated in a debate" by even the most inexperienced politicians. By comparing Smith’s critiques to Biden’s performance, Trump framed the feud as a battle of mental sharpness, using the Knicks’ game to elevate his own image while undermining Smith’s.

“Stephen A. Smith is an arrogant fool, a low IQ individual. In other words, he’s 'dumb as a rock,' and totally unqualified to ever think of running for high political office, or even low political office, for that matter! He’d get annihilated in a debate by the most incompetent of politicians. Joe Biden’s now 'fabled' performance would look great by comparison to anything that this loudmouth huckster has to offer, which isn’t much!”

The exchange has intensified the public perception of their rivalry, with both men leveraging the Knicks’ game as a platform for political jabs. Smith’s initial criticism of Trump’s attendance was rooted in the idea that the former president prioritized personal visibility over team performance. Yet, his later praise for Trump’s "sharpness" suggests a willingness to adapt his narrative, even as he continues to critique Biden’s leadership.

Feud Origins and Escalation

The feud between Stephen A. Smith and Donald Trump began after the Knicks’ Game 3 loss, where Smith argued Trump’s presence disrupted the team’s momentum. He claimed the former president's decision was more about political gain than supporting the Knicks. However, as the game unfolded and the Knicks eventually clinched a historic victory, Smith's assessment of Trump shifted, blending criticism with newfound admiration. This evolution in his opinion highlights the fluid nature of their public debate, where each new development can alter the narrative.

Smith’s critique of Trump’s decision to attend the Knicks’ game was initially framed as a straightforward analysis of the former president’s priorities. He suggested that Trump's actions were "selfish," undermining the team’s focus. Yet, as the game progressed, Smith acknowledged Trump’s "engagement," which he saw as a sign of political awareness. This contradiction underscores the complexity of their rivalry, where personal opinions and political statements often intertwine.