The co-hosts of ABC’s “The View” took aim at ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith on Thursday, criticizing his remarks about Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) participating in a video encouraging military personnel to disregard illegal orders from former President Donald Trump.
During the episode, co-host Sunny Hostin referenced Smith’s sharp disapproval of Kelly, labeling him as “loudly wrong.”
After a clip of Smith’s commentary was shown, Hostin challenged him: “I would like to give you the opportunity to change my position on your statement.”
Smith shot back, “I haven’t changed anything.” He added, “I didn’t stutter when I said that.”
To this, Hostin replied, “Okay. Do you want to stay wrong out loud?”
Smith responded, “Well, feel free to call that wrong as loudly as you want. You’re entitled to your opinion, and I’m entitled to mine.”
Last month, six Democrats, including Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), released a video urging military and intelligence members to morally assess and reject “unlawful” orders.
They accused the Trump administration of creating a divide between the military and the American people.
In his XM radio show comments the previous Wednesday, Smith questioned Kelly’s participation in the video.
“With all due respect, Senator, what the hell are you doing?” Smith exclaimed. “Are you going to look into a camera and tell soldiers to ignore the commander in chief? How can you do that?”
On “The View,” Hostin attempted to refute Smith’s argument, mentioning that Pete Hegseth had said service members should not follow illegal orders before he became secretary of the Army, implying that he and Kelly were aligned in their beliefs.
However, Smith dismissed her reference, stating, “I don’t care what Pete Hegseth says. He wasn’t the right person for the job… I don’t care what he says. Let me tell you that.”
Smith maintained his stance against Kelly, suggesting that as a veteran, he had indicated to him that such actions could lead to trouble, hinting that military members shouldn’t be encouraged to ignore orders.
He explained, “You can be accused of insinuating something, whether you’re a former military member or current military member. It’s not what Mark Kelly said; it’s the fact that he was a combat naval pilot who served in the military and would tell people to ignore orders in tough situations,” citing discussions with family members who served.
Co-host Joy Behar and Hostin interjected, asserting that Kelly’s remarks were specifically in reference to ignoring “unlawful” orders.
Smith countered, “I said it’s illegal. I’m talking about illegality.”
Hostin further pressed, “He said you don’t have to follow illegal orders, it’s in the military code of conduct. It didn’t sound like you knew that.”
Smith conceded, “I understand that,” but Hostin pointed out, “It didn’t seem like he was aware of that during the show.”
Smith replied, “I disagree with your opinion.”
He further mentioned, “By the way, I had two governors email me saying I was wrong, and they agree with you.” Hostin responded with a simple, “You’re wrong.”
Smith added, “And there were two senators who reached out to me and said, ‘You’re absolutely not wrong.'”
