The Stephen A. Smith Show: In-Depth Interview with Black Conservative Royce White

Release Date: May 4, 2025

Introduction

On this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith engages in a one-on-one discussion with Royce White, a notable figure transitioning from a professional basketball career to the political arena. Selected as the 16th overall pick by the Houston Rockets in the 2012 NBA Draft, White has since become a GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota. This interview delves into his political journey, ideological stance, challenges within the Republican Party, and his perspectives on pressing national issues.

Background and Political Aspirations

Stephen A. Smith (01:13): Introduces Royce White, highlighting his transition from the NBA to politics, noting White's recent 40% vote share in a previous election against Amy Klobuchar and his intent to run for Senate in 2026.

Royce White (02:03): Expresses gratitude for the platform and acknowledges influential figures like Steve Bannon, whom he refers to as the "Happy Warrior." White emphasizes his alignment with the "Young MAGA movement," positioning himself as a nationalist and populist voice within the Republican Party.

Challenges Within the Republican Party

White discusses his frustration with the proto-globalist Republican establishment, led by figures like George Bush, which he believes has historically stifled grassroots movements within the party.

Royce White (03:30): Criticizes the Republican establishment for protecting the NBA despite his valid concerns about mental health policies, which he successfully influenced in 2016. He reflects on being labeled wrongly by the media, drawing parallels to his experiences and the broader struggles within the party.

Stephen A. Smith (05:16): Questions whether White's representation of a grassroots movement stems from disappointment with conventional Republicans or a belief that the party needs to evolve.

Royce White (05:36): Affirms both sentiments, linking his past struggles in the NBA with his current political battles, and underscores the need for a more honest and transparent Republican Party.

Ideological Foundations and Policy Perspectives

White elaborates on his stance against globalism and his advocacy for national identity and citizenship.

Royce White (06:28): Explains his opposition to globalist policies, advocating for the preservation of national identity and citizenship. He critiques the influence of global finances and institutions like the Federal Reserve on American sovereignty.

Stephen A. Smith (10:11): Encourages White to discuss his experiences as a Black man leaning towards the GOP and the challenges faced within American politics.

Royce White (10:11): Highlights the schism in American politics post-World War II, criticizing both Democratic and Republican establishments for perpetuating a globalist agenda that undermines national interests.

Critique of the MAGA Movement and Loyalty to Policy Over Personality

The conversation shifts to the nature of the MAGA movement and White's loyalty to policy rather than individual leaders.

Stephen A. Smith (13:00): Raises concerns about the perceived unwavering loyalty within the MAGA movement, advocating for a focus on policy rather than personalities.

Royce White (14:08): Agrees wholeheartedly, stating, "If you listen to my podcast, please call me crazy. ... We always talk about policy and politics in America being more policy-driven and idea-driven than they are personality and person-driven."

He clarifies that while he respects Donald Trump's courage to address uncomfortable truths, his loyalty lies with the principles of the MAGA movement rather than the individual.

Evaluation of Donald Trump's Impact and Policies

White assesses Trump's first hundred days in office, emphasizing Trump's efforts to dismantle the post-World War II liberal order.

Royce White (16:24): Praises Trump's actions to "reorient the entire global landscape" towards prioritizing national identity and citizenship, critiquing the previous establishment for their role in global finance and politics.

Stephen A. Smith (17:48): Acknowledges agreement on immigration policies but expresses concerns about Trump's overreach, particularly in ignoring court rulings.

Royce White (19:39): Defends his stance on immigration and critiques the politicization of the judiciary, emphasizing the need for fair legal processes over party loyalty.

Addressing Allegations and Establishment Opposition

The discussion turns to allegations against White and his confrontations with both the Republican establishment and mainstream media narratives.

Stephen A. Smith (29:03): Brings up controversies surrounding White, including alleged anti-Semitic remarks and financial discrepancies, seeking clarification.

Royce White (31:07): Refutes the allegations as fabrications by the Republican establishment intent on undermining his candidacy. He explains the challenges of fundraising against established GOP donors and addresses the misconception of his stance on globalism being anti-Semitic.

Royce White (35:47): Elaborates on his non-anti-Semitic stance, highlighting his personal relationships with Jewish individuals and criticizing the GOP's contradictory positions on issues related to Israel.

Media Representation and Activism

White recounts his involvement in activism during the George Floyd protests, highlighting media misrepresentations.

Royce White (25:10): Describes leading peaceful protests and the media's failure to accurately represent his stance and collaboration with local activists, who distanced themselves due to his differing views on LGBTQ issues.

He emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic issues like the Federal Reserve and global finance, which he believes are at the root of many societal problems.

Future Prospects and Closing Remarks

As the interview concludes, Stephen A. Smith reflects on the depth of the conversation and the importance of diverse political voices.

Stephen A. Smith (36:37): Acknowledges the unlikely yet meaningful dialogue, promising future discussions to further explore White's perspectives.

Royce White (37:00): Reiterates his commitment to challenging the status quo within both major political parties, advocating for transparency, policy-driven politics, and the inclusion of minority voices in the GOP.

Stephen A. Smith (40:34): Asks White a final question about his political alignment in the absence of the MAGA movement, to which White responds by expressing his close ties to Steve Bannon and his difficulty in envisioning his position without the MAGA framework.

Concluding Thoughts

This episode offers a profound exploration of Royce White's journey from sports to politics, his ideological battles within the Republican Party, and his critical views on globalism and national identity. Stephen A. Smith provides a platform for nuanced discussion, allowing listeners to gain insight into White's perspectives and the challenges he faces in reshaping American politics.

Notable Quotes

• Royce White (02:03): "I'm more the young bull kind of fire-breathing, nationalist, populist, part of the MAGA movement."

• Stephen A. Smith (05:16): "Represent the more grassroots movement—is that your way of saying you've been disappointed in what conventional Republicans were doing?"

• Royce White (14:08): "If you listen to my podcast, please call me crazy. ... We always talk about policy and politics in America being more policy-driven and idea-driven than they are personality and person-driven."

• Steph A. Smith (29:03): "Is that stuff true? If it's false, say so."

• Royce White (31:58): "The establishment GOP who's more afraid of a young black man talking about the Federal Reserve than they are of AOC or Ilhan Omar."

Conclusion

This in-depth interview sheds light on Royce White's determination to influence political discourse from a unique standpoint, challenging both party establishments and mainstream narratives. Stephen A. Smith facilitates a vital conversation that underscores the need for diverse voices and policy-focused politics in shaping the future of American governance.