Stephen A. Smith Says Epstein Claims Highlight What Powerful Figures Fear Most
Sports media personality Stephen A. Smith has returned to national politics. This time, he’s angrily reacting to Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s exaggerated charges about Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy sex criminal. Smith hasn’t appeared on TV or YouTube in almost a week, but his social media comments garnered notice and brought a different perspective to a politically delicate issue.
Smith responded to a New York Times piece on Greene and former President Donald Trump’s private conversation. Greene warned Trump she would expose Epstein’s victims’ strong men in that narrative. The article says Trump was enraged and told Greene his “friends would get hurt” if the material was released. Greene reportedly said she suggested Trump bring some of Epstein’s female victims to the White House, but Trump declined. They reportedly stopped communicating following that exchange.
Smith said that the situation proved him right for months. He said the delay and refusal to release Epstein information show a larger effort to protect powerful people. Smith emphasized that exposure fear, not process anxiety, prevents full disclosure. He stated not just one lawmaker is to blame and that several on Capitol Hill may be lying.
Epstein has gained attention as the US Department of Justice indicated it needs more time to review and share its remaining Epstein materials. Federal officials said over a million pertinent papers were unearthed recently, therefore Congress’ deadline could not be reached. The department estimates a few more weeks to finish the job.
Former President Trump has often denied knowing about Epstein’s actions. Epstein committed suicide in a federal jail in August 2019 while awaiting prosecution for sex trafficking children. For years, his death and the limited distribution of records have led to speculation, suspicion, and calls for justice.
Smith has faced media and political criticism. In recent weeks, former colleagues and detractors Max Kellerman, Dan Le Batard, Jason Whitlock, and Joy Reid have publicly criticized him. Reid remarked on a webcast that Smith degraded Black people, especially Black women, to please mainstream media. Although Smith hasn’t responded to these criticisms, they’ve raised awareness of his public character.
Despite his detractors, Smith’s influence extends beyond sports and the news. He indicated earlier this year that lawmakers and elected leaders had pushed him to run for president in 2028. Despite not making any official preparations, Smith said the talks had made him reconsider the concept.
Smith’s response to Greene’s Epstein charges reveals how worried individuals are about strong institutions’ trust, accountability, and openness. As federal officials analyze Epstein-related records and politicians trade allegations, unambiguous answers are still needed. Smith’s bluntness has kept the issue in the spotlight, even though many questions remain.
Sources
U.S. Department of Justice
New York Times
Associated Press
