Stephen A. Smith charges Democrats with responsibility for Ukraine war
- ESPN host Stephen A. Smith defended Donald Trump against claims of responsibility for the Russia-Ukraine war.
- In his podcast, he attributed blame to previous Democratic presidents for actions that he argues contributed to the conflict.
- Smith emphasized that the U.S. has a moral obligation to support Ukraine due to past commitments and the current crisis.
In early 2025, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith made headlines by addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine, asserting that the conflict's roots lie with Democrats, specifically Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton. His comments came during his podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show, where he criticized the narrative that blamed former President Donald Trump for the war, stating that the conflict escalated during Biden's presidency. Smith highlighted the historical context, mentioning Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, which occurred under the Obama administration, as a key factor contributing to the current war. He argued that prior administrations' actions had weakened Ukraine, leaving it dependent on U.S. support, which they were struggling to secure amidst the war. The ESPN host emphasized the necessity for the U.S. to uphold its promises to Ukraine, pointing out that the country has been wronged and deserves assistance from America. Despite his criticisms of U.S. financial involvement, he maintained that promises made to Ukraine must be kept, underscoring a responsibility to defend its sovereignty against Russian aggression. Smith's remarks sparked a renewed debate over U.S. foreign policy and historical accountability.