In keeping with Smith, Trump isn’t racist and never “towards Black individuals” – though the 55-year-old sports activities tv persona did admit he doesn’t plan to vote for Trump in subsequent 12 months’s presidential election.
“I knew Trump earlier than he ran for the [2016] presidency,” Smith said on the media summit on Monday. “I totally loved speaking to him. He was an enormous sports activities fan. He used to throw a variety of occasions at…his casinos and stuff like that, and I genuinely appreciated them.”
“I didn’t know who this man was operating for president. I believe he’s modified, however I’ll inform you this: I believe when individuals name him racist and stuff like that, I’ve by no means considered Trump that method,” Smith continued.
“It’s not, he’s not towards Black individuals,” the ESPN host added. “He’s towards outdated issues not named Trump.”
Smith then went on to clarify that he’s “past voting for Trump” in 2024 not due to the businessman-turned-GOP politician’s politics however due to Trump’s “statesmanship.”
The ESPN host additionally emphasised his perception that the president must be somebody who can unite the nation fairly than divide it.