The Stephen A. Smith Show: "THE IRAN WAR; TIM BURCHETT (R-TN)"

Date: April 9, 2026
Host: Stephen A. Smith (with guest Rep. Tim Burchett, R-TN)

Episode Overview

In this dynamic and political-charged episode of Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith, Stephen A. moves well beyond the world of sports, tackling one of the most explosive headlines of 2026: America’s escalating conflict with Iran and President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and decision-making. The episode dives deep into questions of leadership, international diplomacy, the fitness of the president, and dysfunction in Washington. Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee is interviewed in hour two, offering candid behind-the-scenes insight into Congress, government corruption, insider trading, and the war machine. Throughout, Stephen A. maintains his signature confrontational and passionate style, taking listener calls and igniting conversation with notable sound bites.

Main Theme

• The U.S.–Iran War and Trump's Leadership:
  An examination and critique of President Trump's approach to Iran, particularly his bellicose rhetoric and threats of destruction, with a focus on what this means for American democracy, global security, and the lived experience of American citizens and service members.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stephen A. Smith's Take on Trump and the Iran Conflict

Timestamp: 01:28–27:21

• Call for New Leadership:
  Stephen A. reiterates his long-standing view that "we need a new president,” criticizing both extremes of the political spectrum (“not a fan of MAGA...and damn sure ain't a fan of the progressives” [04:23]).
• Trump’s Rhetoric on Iran:
  Outrage over Trump’s incendiary Easter Sunday posts threatening the Iranian regime and, by extension, the country's people.

  “Tuesday will be power plant day and bridge day all wrapped up in one in Iran...Open the fucking straight as in the Strait of Hormuz, you crazy bastards... Praise be to Allah.” (Reading Trump’s post, [06:23])

• Impact on American Public:
  Expresses concern that Trump's language causes national anxiety, particularly for families with loved ones in the military.

  “What about the fear that you're instilling in this country, richest country in the world...their hearts are palpitating.” [09:00]

• Does the End Justify the Means?:
  Challenges whether provoking fear and chaos can ever be justified by ultimate diplomatic or strategic outcomes.
• Democrats vs. Republicans:
  Criticizes both parties for being stuck in “absolute chaos,” and Congress for being largely spineless.

  “435 representatives, 100 senators, a Supreme Court justice... democracy... will never let those concerns happen.” [12:46]

• On Trump’s Economic Claims:
  Skepticism regarding Trump’s promises of economic windfalls from tariffs and Middle East deals.

2. The 25th Amendment and Calls for Trump’s Removal

Timestamp: 17:45–27:21

• Dismissal of 25th Amendment Chatter:
  Smith dismisses Democratic and media calls for removing Trump, labeling them “an exercise in futility.”

  “You can't do anything to him if you couldn't keep him from getting back into office after he departed.” [21:08]

• Sound Bite of Megyn Kelly's Criticism: Megyn Kelly lambasts Trump’s rhetoric:

  “I am sick of this shit. Can he just behave like a normal human? ...You don't threaten to wipe out an entire civilization.” (Megyn Kelly, [23:04])

• Divisions Within the Right:
  Observes that even longtime Trump allies (e.g., Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson) are repelled by the president’s recent extremism.
• Stephen A. Clarifies:
  He’s not for invoking the 25th Amendment because it would elevate JD Vance—a scenario he argues could be “worse” [25:57].

3. Congress, Corruption, and Dysfunction

With Rep. Tim Burchett
Timestamp: 52:04–88:58

Government Corruption & Congressional “Insider Trading”

• Money and Power over Policy:
  Burchett provides a blunt look at Congress, explaining that leadership and committee power are dictated by fundraising (often millions of dollars) and that party advancement is, at heart, about “kissing a lot of ass and raising a lot of money.” [54:22, 57:07]

  “It has nothing to do with ability. You can figure these lobbyists for certain industries, they want Stephen A. Smith to be the chairman of whatever committee...they give you money for your campaign...” – Rep. Burchett [54:22]

• Insider Stock Trading:
  Reveals that members of Congress routinely own stock in companies affected by congressional action.

  “Who do you think owns stock in that missile defense company?...Members of Congress.” [66:23]

• Both Parties Enmeshed:
  States that corruption and self-enrichment are bipartisan and normalized in Washington.

  “Both parties. Both parties...The thing that they're doing is not illegal, Mr. Smith. It's not...but it should be.” [70:13]

Iran, War, and Trump's Fitness

• Burchett’s Stance on Trump:
  Asserts Trump is “fit for office,” acknowledging his wild style is a negotiation tactic. “He negotiates with Teamsters in New York...he has no filter and he does not care.” [60:24]
• Concerns about “Forever Wars”:
  Burchett worries any escalation could drag the U.S. into endless conflict, invokes Vietnam as a cautionary tale. [58:39]
• Insider Critique of “War Pimps”:
  Blames “portfolio warriors” in Congress for pursuing war for profit, not national interest.

  “Washington is full of war pimps. They love war because they’re portfolio warriors.” [65:57]

Big Oil and Economic Policy

• Subsidies and Profiteering:
  Both Smith and Burchett rail against oil companies and politicians who enable record profits through subsidies.

  “Capitalism is not dumping your hard earned tax dollars in the pockets of a billion-dollar corporation...” [74:13]

• Manipulated Fuel Prices: Burchett calls out oil companies for myth-making and price-gouging the public.

On American Intelligence

• Weak Intelligence?
  Burchett claims that U.S. intelligence community is weaker than advertised, with little transparency and accountability.

  “Our military intelligence is a whole lot like congressional ethics. It just does not exist at much of a level.” [65:44]

Why Remain in Congress?

• Personal Mission:
  Burchett’s motivation is rooted in family legacy and patriotic service.

  “Because the America that [my parents] fought for and endured, I think it's worth fighting for...” [77:41]

Exit Ramp for Iran War?

• Troops on the Ground = Non-Starter:
  Burchett says he’d oppose deploying U.S. forces to Iran and warns about falling into “another endless war.”

  “I couldn't stomach that because that's just another endless war and the big boys profit.” [79:17]

Government Transparency

• On UFO Disclosure:
  Burchett is adamant about the need for government transparency, both about budgetary expenditures and sensational topics like UFOs.

  “America can handle it. I’m sick of hearing this stuff. We can’t handle it.” [82:02]

4. Listener Calls – The State of America

Timestamp: Throughout (28:51–101:00)

• Skepticism Toward Political Solutions:
  Multiple callers echo Stephen A.’s frustration with superficial political grandstanding, with some supporting the 25th Amendment and others decrying “moral crime” and “war crime” [29:20, 29:54].
• On Why Centrism is Undervalued:
  Stephen A. argues centrists are the great unrepresented, expressing fiscal conservatism with social liberalism, and issues with both MAGA radicals and the “hardcore left.” [49:32–50:51]
• Debate About Running for President:
  Callers urge Stephen A. to consider office, with Stephen A. humorously but firmly refusing: “I ain’t giving up my money, bro!” [44:38]
• Energy Policy and National Debt:
  A caller from Minnesota inquires about industrial policy for energy, prompting a conversation about the importance of energy independence, but also the need for bipartisan sacrifice to tackle debt. [90:46–94:09]

5. Memorable Quotes

• Stephen A. Smith:
  • “We need a new president. Not because of the reasons you say, but because of the reasons I say.” [03:44]
  • “Does the end always justify the means? If you have the American people scared shitless for six months...and then ultimately it's resolved, but lives are lost...does it matter?” [10:14]
  • “Even the right is divided now...All under the auspices and the stewardship of president number 47, formerly number 45. It’s got to stop.” [25:44]
  • “I do what I got to do because I'm going be a voice. But...I could win the nominee for the presidency of the United States.” [44:13]
• Rep. Tim Burchett:
  • “Washington is full of war pimps. They love war because they're portfolio warriors.” [65:57]
  • “To move up in [Congress]...You got to either kiss a lot of ass and raise a lot of money. You have to do both of those, and I'm really not very good at either one.” [54:22]
  • “I think the trouble we got is when 12% of the population...fails to go to the polls. But you know, they're always griping...” [87:06]
  • “America can handle [the truth about UFOs]. I’m sick of hearing this stuff. ‘We can’t handle it.’” [82:02]
• Megyn Kelly (on Trump’s rhetoric):
  • “I mean, I don’t know about you, but I am sick of this shit. Can he just behave like a normal human?...You don’t threaten to wipe out an entire civilization.” [23:04]

6. Notable Moments

• Rep. Burchett’s Skateboard Story:
  Illustrates the absurdity of congressional ethics rules: “You can do insider stock trading, but I can’t sell a dadgum skateboard?” [71:00]
• Smith on Running for President:
  Lays out, with humor and candor, why he won’t run unless he can “keep his money” and why the notion of sacrificing his hard-earned living for politics is unthinkable. [42:08–44:38]
• Listener “Khaleesa” Conversation:
  Lively exchange highlighting trust (or lack thereof) in the U.S. intelligence community—and Smith’s knack for defusing tension with humor and affirmation. [95:03–96:54]
• Burchett’s View on Media and Government:
  Burchett and Smith agree on the need for transparency and both suspect most politicians enrich themselves while grandstanding.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:28–12:10 — Opening Rant: Trump, Iran, and U.S. Leadership Crisis
• 12:38–18:43 — Congress, Fear, and the Problem With Party Leadership
• 23:04–24:16 — Megyn Kelly on Trump’s Iran Rhetoric
• 52:04–88:58 — Interview: Rep. Tim Burchett (Congress, War, Corruption, Insider Trading, UFOs)
• 90:46–101:00 — Listener Calls: Policy, Energy, American Political Disillusionment

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith delivers a gripping, uncompromising critique of American political dysfunction, focused on the perils of President Trump’s Iran policy, the hollowness of removal talk, and a Congress mired in self-dealing. Rep. Tim Burchett opens the curtain on the ugly realities of government, exposing the money, patronage, and inertia at the heart of the Capitol—and warning against the temptations of endless war. The episode’s humor, sharp audience engagement, and high-profile guest make it a quintessential installment of "Straight Shooter": real talk, inside info, and unvarnished truth.

Recommended for:
Listeners who want to understand the new American political landscape, are concerned about war and peace, or just want to hear politicians and pundits say what’s really on their minds.