The Stephen A. Smith Show – Episode Summary
Episode: Stephen A's Take: Trump's Not Happy with Record-Breaking Negative Polls About His First 100 Days
Release Date: April 30, 2025

1. Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the current political climate surrounding President Donald Trump’s administration. With a focus on recent poll numbers, policy analyses, and future political trajectories, Smith offers his unfiltered perspective on the challenges and accomplishments of Trump's first 100 days in office.

2. Trump's Approval Rating and Public Perception

Smith begins by highlighting alarming poll numbers that indicate a decline in President Trump's approval:

• Approval Ratings Decline: According to an ABC News Washington Post/Ipsos poll, only 39% of respondents approve of Trump's handling of his presidential duties, a 6-point drop since February. (Timestamp: [01:15])

  "That's down 6 points from February, while 55% said they disapprove."

• Historical Context: This approval rate surpasses the previous low of 42% recorded for a president near the 100-day mark, a statistic also associated with Trump in 2017.

• Economic Concerns: A staggering 72% believe Trump's economic policies could lead to a recession in the short term. (Timestamp: [02:30])

  "Despite running on a platform of economic turnaround, 72%...think it's very or somewhat likely that Trump's economic policies will cause a recession."

• Trust in Leadership: The poll reveals that 37% trust Trump over the Democrats in Congress to handle the nation's primary issues, yet 60% feel he is out of touch with the American populace.

  "People said they trust Donald Trump over the Democrats in Congress to handle the nation's main problems by 37% to 30%."

3. Policy Analysis

a. Immigration Enforcement

Smith praises Trump's stringent immigration policies:

• Border Control Success: Trump’s focus on immigration enforcement is lauded as a positive shift from Biden's perceived open-border stance.

  "You cannot have folks crossing the border illegally...thinking that that is going to bode well for American citizens."

• Impact on Public Safety: The administration's efforts are credited with addressing safety concerns and reducing illegal immigration, which Smith argues has been detrimental to national security and public perception.

b. Cabinet Confirmations

• Swift Appointments: Trump successfully confirmed 13 cabinet nominees within 10 weeks, surpassing prior administrations' pace.

  "Swift Cabinet confirmations...you got people in place to get things done."

c. Energy Policy Reversals

• Pro-Fossil Fuel Stance: Trump’s executive orders promote fossil fuel development, revoke electric vehicle mandates, and encourage energy exploration on federal lands, which Smith views favorably.

  "Trump signed executive orders promoting fossil fuel development...this is considered a good thing, ladies and gentlemen."

d. Foreign Policy Initiatives

• Peace Efforts: Initiatives to broker ceasefires in regions like Ukraine and Gaza are recognized as commendable attempts at fostering international peace.

  "Efforts have been made to broker ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza."

e. Economic Concerns

• Public Sentiment: Only 11% of Americans feel better off economically since Trump's reelection, while 51% believe the economy is worsening.

  "Only 11% of Americans felt better off economically...51% believing the economy is deteriorating."

• Tariff Missteps: Trump's broad targeting of tariffs, especially against allies, is criticized for straining international relationships and favoring China over traditional partners.

  "Tight tariffs...targeting not just China, but everybody, which meant some of them were our allies who ultimately turned towards being enemies."

f. Civil Rights and DEI Rollbacks

• Aggressive Policies: The administration's efforts to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including defunding health research for Black communities and cutting support for historically Black institutions, are sharply criticized.

  "The Trump administration aggressively targeted DEI efforts...cutting support for historically black institutions."

g. Women's Sports and Transgender Issues

• Protecting Women's Sports: Smith acknowledges Trump's stance on transgender participation in women's sports as a necessary intervention.

  "In protecting women's sports...that was something that needed to be addressed."

4. Challenges and Future Predictions

a. Democratic Party Struggles

Smith argues that the Democratic Party remains ineffective in countering Trump’s influence:

• Lack of Strong Candidates: Despite high-profile figures like Cory Booker, Jasmine Crockett, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrats lack a resonant national figure to challenge Trump effectively.

  "The Democrats still can't beat him, because you still have nobody to beat him."

• Midterm Imperative: Emphasizing the necessity for Democrats to win upcoming midterm elections to regain legislative power and counteract Trump's influence.

  "The Democrats have got to win the midterm. They've got to win the midterm."

b. Future Elections and Scenarios

• Potential Supreme Court Impact: Ongoing lawsuits against Trump's executive orders have made the Supreme Court's position precarious, potentially affecting future legal landscapes.

• 2028 Presidential Race Speculation: Smith speculates on a possible Trump vs. Obama rematch in 2028, highlighting it as a must-see political showdown.

  "Could you imagine Trump versus Obama for the 2028 presidency?...that would be must-see TV."

5. Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith concludes that despite the negative poll numbers and growing disapproval, President Trump retains greater popularity than the Democratic Party. This dynamic poses a significant challenge for Democrats, who must revamp their strategies and candidate pool to effectively compete against Trump's enduring influence. Smith underscores the critical nature of upcoming elections and the imperative for Democrats to adapt or risk further entrenchment of Trump's position in the political arena.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights presented by Stephen A. Smith, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the episode's content.