Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show

Episode: Stephen A's Take: Donald Trump is criticized for labeling protesters as “insurrectionists” while pardoning actual January 6th rioters
Release Date: June 15, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Produced by: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into the contentious issue surrounding former President Donald Trump's recent remarks about protesters, juxtaposed with his past pardoning of January 6th rioters. The discussion navigates through themes of political strategy, law enforcement, and the polarization within American politics. Featuring an insightful dialogue with Senator Alex Padilla, the episode offers a robust analysis of the current political landscape and its implications for societal unity.

ICE Raids and Nationwide Protests [01:13 – 02:09]

The episode opens with Alex Padilla addressing the latest developments in federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and the ensuing protests across major U.S. cities. He highlights the incidents in Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Chicago, Austin, Las Vegas, and Washington D.C., emphasizing the widespread public response to troop deployments aimed at immigration enforcement.

Stephen A. Smith adds context by discussing the concentration of protests in downtown LA as the overnight curfew was lifted, signaling heightened tensions and community resistance to federal actions.

Confrontation Between Senator Padilla and Homeland Security Secretary [02:09 – 06:28]

A pivotal moment in the episode occurs when Senator Alex Padilla recounts being forcibly removed from a press conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Padilla details how he was shushed, shoved, and handcuffed while attempting to question Noem about the raids and protests.

Notable Quote:

• “The senator was shoved out of the room...” [02:38]
• “To reporters and attempted to shout questions at the secretary.” [02:31]

Stephen A. Smith criticizes Padilla’s actions initially, suggesting that as a senator, Padilla should have maintained composure. However, he quickly pivots to address broader political tactics, accusing Democrats of using such incidents to divide the populace and bolster Trump's narrative on illegal immigration.

Notable Quote:

• “...that's why they've been talking about Stephen A. Smith being a candidate for president of the United States.” [02:38]
• “...the president of the United States focusing our attention on illegal immigration...” [03:01]

Political Strategy and Divisiveness [06:28 – 15:03]

The conversation intensifies as Smith critiques the Democratic Party’s approach, arguing they are facilitating Trump's rise by creating divisive issues. He touches upon various fronts Trump cannot capitalize on, such as the economy and international conflicts, thus focusing on immigration as a "winning hand."

Notable Quote:

• “...all of this is used as a tool to divide us.” [03:01]

Alex Padilla counters by highlighting the inconsistent treatment of rioters, pointing out that while Trump labels current protesters as "insurrectionists," he previously pardoned those involved in the January 6th Capitol riot.

Notable Quote:

• “January 6th, defendants pardoned by Trump.” [13:29]

Stephen A. Smith expands on this hypocrisy, contrasting the harsh labeling of recent protests with the leniency shown to actual insurrectionists, thereby questioning the integrity of Trump's stance.

Notable Quote:

• “...over 1,500 of them were pardoned by Trump...” [13:29]
• “You can't point to the terrorists right now... So what's a winning hand to play? It's this. It's immigration...” [03:01]

Trump's Labeling of Protesters vs. Pardoning Rioters [10:39 – 14:05]

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Trump's inconsistent stance towards protesters and rioters. Smith scrutinizes Trump's characterization of current demonstrators as "insurrectionists," contrasting it with his decision to pardon those who actively participated in the January 6th events.

Notable Quote:

• “You call these folks insurrectionists. But those folks that stormed the U.S. Capitol in 2021... they weren't insurrectionists.” [13:25]

Alex Padilla reinforces this point by highlighting the severity of the January 6th actions versus the current protests, suggesting that the label "insurrectionist" is being misapplied to ordinary protestors.

Notable Quote:

• “And you call these folks in Los Angeles insurrectionists.” [13:25]

Call for Political Reform and Unity [15:03 – 16:51]

As the discussion progresses, Alex Padilla expresses support for seasoned politicians who advocate for national security and legislative integrity, such as Marco Rubio, John Kasich, and Nikki Haley. He emphasizes the need for leaders committed to unity and effective governance rather than perpetuating chaos.

Notable Quote:

• “What we're down for... Guys like John Kasich, former governor of Ohio, Chris Christie, former governor of New Jersey...” [15:27]

Stephen A. Smith echoes the sentiment, highlighting his support for governors like Westmore of Maryland and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania as alternatives to divisive political figures.

Conclusion: The Impact of Divisive Politics [16:51 – End]

In wrapping up the episode, Smith underscores the detrimental effects of political divisiveness, arguing that it fosters chaos and hinders national cohesion. He calls for a reevaluation of political strategies to prioritize unity and effective leadership over partisan conflict.

Notable Quote:

• “This is about bringing people together and working on compromise.” [16:51]

Alex Padilla concurs, advocating for candidates who can galvanize rather than polarize the American populace, emphasizing the urgent need for constructive political discourse to navigate turbulent times.

Key Takeaways

• Immigration Enforcement and Protests: Federal ICE raids have sparked widespread protests across major U.S. cities, highlighting deep-seated tensions over immigration policies.
• Political Hypocrisy: Donald Trump’s labeling of current protesters as "insurrectionists" is juxtaposed with his past pardoning of January 6th rioters, revealing inconsistencies in his stance on law enforcement and civil unrest.
• Divisive Tactics: Stephen A. Smith critiques the Democratic Party for creating divisive issues that inadvertently bolster Trump's political standing, emphasizing the need for more unifying strategies.
• Call for New Leadership: Both Smith and Padilla advocate for seasoned, bipartisan politicians committed to national security, legislative integrity, and societal unity as alternatives to current divisive figures.
• Urgent Need for Unity: The episode underscores the importance of moving beyond partisan conflicts to address national challenges effectively and foster a more cohesive society.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “That's why you've been talking about Stephen A. Smith being a candidate for president of the United States.” — Stephen A. Smith [02:38]
• “January 6th, defendants pardoned by Trump.” — Alex Padilla [13:29]
• “You call these folks insurrectionists. But those folks that stormed the U.S. Capitol in 2021... they weren't insurrectionists.” — Stephen A. Smith [13:25]
• “This is about bringing people together and working on compromise.” — Alex Padilla [16:51]

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a profound analysis of the current political dynamics surrounding immigration enforcement, protest movements, and the strategic maneuvers of major political figures. By dissecting the rhetoric and actions of key players, Smith provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying forces shaping American society today.