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Stephen A. Smith: Democrats Played Right Into Trump's Hands

2/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Stephen A. Smith, an ESPN personality, criticized Democrats for their behavior during the State of the Union address by the U.S. President Donald Trump, saying they fell into his traps.
On his show, Smith argued that Democrats' refusal to stand when Trump spoke about prioritizing Americans over migrants showed their disconnect with voters.
Smith contended that these theatrics benefited Trump, who has manipulated their reactions for years.

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Story summary

Stephen A. Smith, an ESPN personality, criticized Democrats for their behavior during the State of the Union address by the U.S. President Donald Trump, saying they fell into his traps.
On his show, Smith argued that Democrats' refusal to stand when Trump spoke about prioritizing Americans over migrants showed their disconnect with voters.
Smith contended that these theatrics benefited Trump, who has manipulated their reactions for years.