Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show
Episode: Interview Only: Stephen A Confronts Bill O'Reilly about No Kings Protest, Military Parade, and ICE Raids
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Hosts: Stephen A. Smith and Bill O'Reilly
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith engages in a deep and unfiltered conversation with conservative political commentator and author Bill O'Reilly. The discussion delves into pressing issues surrounding the Trump administration, including widespread protests, military parades, immigration policies, and the broader state of political discourse in America.

No Kings Protests and Military Parades

The conversation kicks off with Stephen A. Smith addressing the recent "No Kings" protests juxtaposed against military parades celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and President Trump's 79th birthday.

Stephen A. Smith provides his perspective on the protests, stating:

"The no king demonstrations were no surprise to any of us who understand how much fury there is on the left that Donald Trump is president. [...] So when a mass demonstration is called for, you're going to get a pretty good turnout."
(05:20)

O'Reilly probes whether these parades are being used as a distraction from other administration challenges, such as tariffs, ICE raids, and international conflicts. Smith counters by emphasizing that Trump's actions are celebratory and not intentionally distractionary:

"I don't see it that way. It's celebratory. Trump wants to celebrate his position and so he uses his power to do that."
(05:20)

China-USA Relations and Stephen's Policy Proposals

A significant portion of the discussion centers on international relations, particularly between China and the United States. Smith shares insights from his recent interactions with Chinese policymakers, highlighting his efforts to foster a "Partnership for Peace and Prosperity."

He elaborates:

"The peace and partnership prosperity thing says that we're going to work it out as far as trade. We'll help China feed their 1.5 billion. They'll help us and our economy, and then we will hamper down crazy stuff like the mullahs in Iran."
(11:52)

Smith underscores the importance of economic collaboration to address global issues, positioning China and the U.S. as pivotal players in maintaining international stability.

Immigration Policies and ICE Raids

Immigration remains a focal point of the discussion, with both hosts scrutinizing the Trump administration's ICE raids and border policies. Smith advocates for a more humane approach, suggesting mechanisms to protect non-criminal migrants with family ties in the U.S.:

"If you have three kids at home, all of whom are American citizens, but you are not, that would be under humane. So they would let you out and not deport you."
(06:55)

O'Reilly raises concerns about the administration's rhetoric towards immigrants, referencing recent pauses in raids affecting businesses:

"Don't you get concerned about him or the administration putting out that kind of rhetoric, sort of castigating folks in that fashion?"
(19:40)

Smith defends Trump's approach, arguing that the administration was elected to clean up immigration issues:

"Trump says, I'm going to clean it up. And that's exactly why he won. That's why he won."
(20:25)

Political Violence and Civility in America

The hosts shift focus to the recent political shooting involving former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman. O'Reilly questions the erosion of civility in American politics, while Smith offers a historical perspective:

"Every one of them back and they're all loons. [...] It's impossible in a free society, even in China, as crazy as they control those people, you couldn't stop it."
(17:40)

Smith emphasizes that political violence is a recurring issue, not inherently tied to current political rhetoric:

"Homicides have been with us since Cain and Abel in the Bible. I mean, it's just part of mankind."
(17:40)

Discussion on President Biden's Policies

A significant segment critiques President Joe Biden's administration, particularly questioning his consistency with Catholic values and immigration policies. Smith speculates on Biden's mental acuity and decision-making capabilities:

"Joe Biden... was diminished when he walked in, he took the inaugural oath."
(21:41)

He points out the contradiction between Biden's Catholic faith and his staunch pro-abortion stance, highlighting the lack of ecclesiastical repercussions:

"Joe Biden takes it and promotes it. A good Catholic is excommunicated by doing that. However, there wasn't one Catholic bishop or the Pope."
(23:38)

O'Reilly echoes concerns about the administration's direction, questioning the shift from Obama's deportation policies to Biden's more lenient stance.

Trump's Monetization of Presidency and Comparison to Past Presidents

The conversation turns to President Trump's foray into monetizing his image through products like cryptocurrency sneakers and the T1 Trump smartphone. Smith critiques the commodification of the presidency:

"Trump doesn't have anything to do with the Trump Organization. It's run by his two sons, Don Jr. and Eric. They are exploiting the hell out of their father's success for monetary gain."
(28:49)

He draws parallels with previous presidents, noting that monetization is a common practice:

"Every single president with the exception of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan [...] capitalized monetarily on their position."
(30:19)

Smith differentiates Trump by stating that, unlike some predecessors, Trump personally disapproves of these ventures:

"Do I approve of this? No. Do I understand what's going on? Yes."
(28:49)

Trump's Strategies and Expectations for Midterms and Beyond

In assessing the Trump administration's prospects, Smith emphasizes the importance of the economy in upcoming midterm elections:

"If you base it on history, which I always do, the economy will tell who's going to win the midterms."
(31:15)

He remains cautiously optimistic about Trump's strategies, suggesting that although challenges exist, particularly with international conflicts and economic adjustments, the administration is on the right track:

"The tariffs in the economy... it's trending in the right direction, particularly if Trump and Xi can come to an economic deal."
(26:08)

Smith anticipates that economic stability will bolster Republican performance in the midterms, potentially influencing the 2028 elections favorably for Trump.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with both hosts reflecting on the multifaceted challenges facing the United States under the Trump administration. Stephen A. Smith maintains a nuanced stance, acknowledging both the strengths and areas needing improvement within the administration's policies. Bill O'Reilly commends Smith's balanced approach, emphasizing the importance of honest discourse in navigating America's complex political landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• "The no king demonstrations were no surprise to any of us who understand how much fury there is on the left that Donald Trump is president."
  — Stephen A. Smith [05:20]

• "I don't see it that way. It's celebratory. Trump wants to celebrate his position and so he uses his power to do that."
  — Stephen A. Smith [05:20]

• "If you have three kids at home, all of whom are American citizens, but you are not, that would be under humane. So they would let you out and not deport you."
  — Stephen A. Smith [06:55]

• "Homicides have been with us since Cain and Abel in the Bible. I mean, it's just part of mankind."
  — Stephen A. Smith [17:40]

• "Trump doesn't have anything to do with the Trump Organization. It's run by his two sons, Don Jr. and Eric. They are exploiting the hell out of their father's success for monetary gain."
  — Stephen A. Smith [28:49]

• "If you base it on history, which I always do, the economy will tell who's going to win the midterms."
  — Stephen A. Smith [31:15]

This episode offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of contemporary political issues through the lens of two seasoned commentators, providing valuable insights into the dynamics shaping America's present and future.