Stephen A. Smith to Hannity: ‘I don’t think I’m running either’

Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith distanced himself from the idea of running for president, saying in a new interview with Fox News’s Sean Hannity that he wouldn’t want to give up his wealth. 

In a preview of the debut episode of the “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” podcast, which launches Tuesday morning, Smith discussed the 2028 presidential election and rumors of his Oval Office ambition.

“I think it’s all bulls‑‑‑,” Hannity told Smith. “I don’t think you’re running. Am I right?” 

“I don’t think I’m running either, because I got to give up my money,” Smith responded. “Yeah, I ain’t giving up my money, Sean.”

Smith added: “I can tell you right now, let me put the presidential aspirations to bed. If I have to give up my money, it’s not happening.”

The ESPN sports commentator has been mentioned as a future presidential candidate and launched a political talk show on SiriusXM late last year called “Straight Shooter with Stephen A.”

The New York Times reported that, between ESPN and SiriusXM, Smith’s base annual salary is $33 million, and it approaches $40 million when factoring in revenue from his YouTube channel and podcast. The job of U.S. president makes $400,000 per year.

In an interview with The Hill in November, Smith said about running for president, “I’m not ruling anything out, but I’m not thinking about that right now.”

“I love what I do, and I’m not willing to give up my money,” he added. The pundit has expressed similar sentiments in the months since.

In the latest interview, Hannity also asked Smith to name three people he would support for president.

Smith — who has criticized both parties and identifies as fiscally conservative and socially liberal — pointed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Republican, along with two Democratic governors: Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Wes Moore of Maryland.

The commentator defended his choice of Rubio, calling him “an adult in the room,” adding, “There is no questioning his qualifications for the job.”

Smith also confirmed he would vote for Rubio over other Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

“Yes. I’d vote for Marco Rubio over anybody that’s out there right now other than Wes Moore or Josh Shapiro,” Smith said.

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