Stephen A. Smith accuses Donald Trump of using Redskins name to distract from Epstein scandal
In a fiery moment on ESPN's First Take, Stephen A. Smith didn't hold back in calling out U.S. President
Donald Trump
over his latest remarks on the Washington Commanders. Smith claimed that Trump's push to revive the team's controversial former name—the Redskins—is nothing more than a political distraction, aimed at shifting public attention away from far more serious issues, including the unreleased Jeffrey Epstein files.
Donald Trump's stadium threat reignites a name-change controversy long thought over
Stephen A. Smith didn't hold back when slamming President Donald Trump for reviving the Redskins name debate. Calling the move 'petty' and 'evasive,' Smith claimed it's a deliberate distraction from more serious issues—namely, the unreleased Jeffrey Epstein files.
"Well, I think it's the president being petty. I think it's him being evasive," Smith said, directly criticizing Trump's attempt to tie federal stadium funding to the team changing its name back.
Trump made headlines again in July 2025 when he suggested that he might block federal support for the Commanders' proposed $2.7 billion stadium project unless the franchise reverts to its old name. That name was officially retired in 2020 after decades of protest from Indigenous groups and civil rights advocates. The team rebranded as the Commanders under new ownership in 2022.
Though Trump framed his argument as standing up for tradition, Smith sees something much more calculated behind the president's push.
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"Because when you look at the Redskins name, obviously it's something that needed to be changed," Smith said. "And by him bringing that issue up, we all know from a political landscape, it's much ado about nothing... it's just him catering to his base to make sure that he serves, to appease them in some way to distract them from other issues, including the Epstein files."
Political tension overshadows stadium progress in Washington
The Commanders' new stadium plans, centered around the RFK Stadium site, have received broad support from Congress and D.C.
officials. President Biden had already signed legislation earlier this year to grant control of the land to the city. Yet Trump's comments threaten to complicate that progress just as local leaders debate final budget allocations.
For Smith, it's not just about football. It's about accountability—and, in his eyes, a president more focused on stoking culture wars than addressing unfinished business that demands transparency.
Also Read:
'I may put a restriction on them': Donald Trump threatens to block $4 billion Commanders stadium plan
FAQs
Q: What did Stephen A. Smith say about Donald Trump's Redskins comment?
Stephen A. Smith called it 'petty' and 'evasive,' accusing Donald Trump of using it to distract from the Epstein files.
Q: Why did Donald Trump mention the Redskins name again in 2025?
Donald Trump suggested blocking stadium funding unless the Commanders reverted to their former name.
Q: What does Stephen A. Smith believes is behind Donald Trump's comment?
Stephen A. Smith believes it's a political tactic to appease Donald Trump's base and divert attention from the Epstein scandal.
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