Earn Your Leisure Podcast: Steve Harvey on the Truth Behind His Meeting with Donald Trump

Episode Release: November 27, 2025
Hosts: Rashad Bilal & Troy Millings
Guest: Steve Harvey

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Steve Harvey’s much-discussed meeting with President Donald Trump and the resulting public backlash. Harvey gives a firsthand account of his intentions, the experience’s unexpected consequences, and the lessons—and pain—of public misperception. He also dishes wisdom on handling criticism, growing through adversity, and staying grounded in one’s purpose.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Real Story Behind the Meeting with Donald Trump

• Initial Intentions & Motivation

  • Steve Harvey explains he went to Trump Tower prior to Trump’s inauguration, with plans to meet Ben Carson, who had been appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
  • His purpose was to propose “Vision Centers”—repurposed closed schools in Black neighborhoods aimed at fostering financial literacy and youth engagement.
  • “If I listened to my wife, it wouldn’t have been no infamous moment.” (Steve Harvey, 04:51)

• Unexpected Turn of Events

  • Harvey details how after meeting Ben Carson, he was unexpectedly joined by Donald Trump in the elevator.
  • While Harvey intended to speak to the press afterward to clarify his purpose, Trump took the lead in front of the cameras, steering the conversation to topics Harvey hadn’t come to discuss, like Obamacare.
  • “Now I’m standing there, first word out his mouth was, ‘We gonna repeal and replace Obamacare.’ I didn’t say sh*t about that.” (Steve Harvey, 06:32)
  • Harvey underscores that his intentions were misrepresented, and the photo op became a viral controversy detached from his actual aims.

• Immediate Backlash

  • On the day of the meeting—his 60th birthday—Harvey quickly became the target of vicious criticism online, including racial slurs and being labeled a “coon,” “jigaboo,” and “Uncle Tom.”
  • He expresses deep hurt at being misunderstood by the very community he was trying to help.
  • “I was a coon. I was a jigaboo. I was a spook.” (Steve Harvey, 07:32)
  • “That sh*t hurt me to the core because all I do when I wake up is walk out the door as a Black man to represent the Black culture…” (Steve Harvey, 12:41)

• Outcome and Reflection

  • Harvey reveals that the initiative he presented—later rebranded as "Envision Centers"—was actually implemented, though he refused to take further publicity photos due to the backlash.
  • “They changed the name from Vision Centers to Envision Centers. They opened up three of them. All the ideas I had given them, they enabled it.” (Steve Harvey, 13:27)
  • Despite the pain, he remained committed to his community, likening his endurance to the lyrics of a Temptations song.
  • “I just hung in there with Black people… I just stayed in there with y’alls ass. Cause I knew eventually y’all was gonna have to get all right.” (Steve Harvey, 14:08)

Lessons on Handling Hate and Public Criticism

• Staying Above the Fray

  • Harvey shares advice from famed rapper Waka Flocka and a minister, emphasizing the importance of not stooping to the level of critics.
  • “He said…you ain’t vengeful. Cause I learned a long time ago… stay on the wall. When they throwing rocks at you, stay on the wall.” (Steve Harvey quoting Waka Flocka/ministers, 15:16)
  • Coming down from the “wall” gives critics power and makes you vulnerable; staying above it keeps you focused on your higher mission.

• Perspective on Haters

  • Harvey underscores that haters are not power brokers, decision makers, or people capable of controlling your destiny.
  • “Haters are not decision makers, power brokers, or shakers and movers. They have no determining factor on your life, where you headed, or what God planned for you. Stop giving haters power.” (Steve Harvey, 17:09)
  • He urges young dreamers and professionals not to let the noise derail their purpose.

• Advice from Tyler Perry

  • An anecdote with Tyler Perry highlights the difference between celebrities/builders and the time-wasting distraction of responding to critics.
  • “When they talk about you, it’s a blog. If you open your mouth, it’s a press conference. You gotta know who you are.” (Steve Harvey quoting Tyler Perry, 17:58)

• Life Wisdom

  • Harvey wraps up his advice with practical, faith-based encouragement:
    • Focus on what you’re building, know your worth, and trust that what’s meant for you is yours.
    • Real “builders”—like Denzel Washington, Magic Johnson, and Tyler Perry—don’t waste time tearing others down.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “All I had to do was go get on that damn boat, like [my wife] said, that’s all my ass had to do. But oh no, I’ma go up here for Black people.” (Steve Harvey, 07:07)
• “My whole hustle and grind has been for Black people, and so it kind of hurt me, man.” (Steve Harvey, 12:45)
• “Let me tell you something, man. People that’s busy, they ain’t got time. Denzel ain’t got time talk about me. Magic Johnson ain’t got time. Tyler Perry ain’t got time talking about me. Cause they building their empire, man.” (Steve Harvey, 18:17)
• “If you stop and keep addressing haters, you will never be open to your purpose and your mission in life.” (Steve Harvey, 17:31)
• “Know who you are and know where God taking you. Get up on the wall and stay there.” (Steve Harvey, 18:24)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:50] Host introduction to the controversy and question for Steve Harvey
• [04:51] Steve Harvey starts explaining his original intentions with Ben Carson & HUD
• [06:32] Trump’s surprise appearance and the media’s misinterpretation
• [07:32] Immediate fallout and public criticism
• [12:41] Harvey opens up about the personal hurt and enduring commitment to his community
• [15:16] Harvey discusses dealing with criticism and advice from Waka Flocka
• [17:09] Importance of ignoring haters and focusing on your mission
• [17:58] Tyler Perry’s advice: Don’t turn a blog post into a press conference
• [18:24] Final advice on perseverance and purpose

Summary Takeaways

Steve Harvey’s story is a lesson in how quickly public perception can distort reality, especially for prominent Black leaders trying to do right by their communities. The episode sheds light on enduring public criticism, the toll it takes, and the necessity of staying true to your mission and values in the face of adversity. Harvey’s mix of humor, candor, and hard-won wisdom makes this a memorable conversation for anyone aspiring to lead, serve, or simply withstand the noise.

Recommended For:
Aspiring entrepreneurs, public figures, anyone interested in media narratives, and listeners seeking guidance on overcoming criticism and staying focused on their greater purpose.