Stephen A. Smith said he raised concerns with President Donald Trump that administration policies could deter corporate donations to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), a source of support for the schools.
Smith, a sports commentator, told CNN he estimated the White House dinner on Oct. 15 lasted four hours and 20 minutes. He said he had not expected the gathering to run so long and that Trump answered guests’ questions. Smith said the discussion also touched on the economy.
Smith said he raised concerns about whether companies might reduce HBCU donations because of the administration’s policies on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). He said Trump told him the possible effect on donations had not occurred to him and that he would look into it. “He didn’t make any promises, in fairness to him,” Smith said.
Smith also said he cited a figure of more than 300,000 Black women who were unemployed or had lost federal jobs. He acknowledged he did not have supporting figures with him and said Trump disputed the account.
Kid Rock told Fox & Friends the conversation included the Iran war and Afghan interpreters. He said the group agreed socialism and communism should have no foothold in government. He also joked in the interview that he was on “like beer seven” and having a blast.
Trump told reporters on Oct. 16 that the dinner was “great” and said the guests toured the White House ballroom under construction. He described the conversation as wide-ranging: “We talked about everything. It lasted a long time.”
The dinner followed a White House gathering on March 31, 2025, that included Trump, Maher, Kid Rock and UFC chief executive Dana White, according to the federal government’s Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents.
Smith said Trump told him meetings about the HBCU donation issue were planned for the following week.
