In a fiery critique aired on his show, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has taken aim at conservative pundit Ben Shapiro’s controversial push for President Donald Trump to pardon Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted in the 2020 murder of George Floyd. The debate, amplified by Elon Musk’s social media endorsement, has reignited national conversations about racial justice, political priorities, and the legacy of Floyd’s death.
The post, shared by AF Post on X at 8:22 AM EST on March 8, 2025, features a screenshot of Smith on The Stephen A. Smith Show, where he is seen passionately arguing against Shapiro’s suggestion. The caption reads, “Stephen A. Smith advises Trump to focus on inflation, border security, deporting illegal immigrants, and crime while avoiding ‘ridiculous nonsense’ suggested by Ben Shapiro.” Smith’s criticism underscores his belief that Trump should prioritize pressing national issues—such as economic stability, immigration, and public safety—rather than wading into divisive and polarizing topics like pardoning Chauvin.
Derek Chauvin’s conviction for the murder of George Floyd, which sparked global protests against police brutality and systemic racism, remains a deeply sensitive issue. Chauvin is currently serving concurrent state and federal sentences for his role in Floyd’s death. Recently, Ben Shapiro launched a public campaign urging Trump to pardon Chauvin for his federal crimes, arguing that the conviction represents a “defining achievement of the Woke movement” that needs to be undone. Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump and a major voice on X with over 219 million followers, responded to Shapiro’s proposal with the comment, “Something to think about,” further fueling the controversy.
Smith’s rebuttal highlights a growing tension within conservative circles. According to web reports, Shapiro’s call has drawn derision from figures like Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who prosecuted Chauvin and warned that a pardon would cause “untold injury” to Floyd’s family and communities still grappling with racial injustice. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration, as of early 2025, appears focused on campaign promises like tackling inflation, securing the U.S.-Mexico border, and addressing crime rates—issues that Smith believes should take precedence over Shapiro’s “ridiculous nonsense.”
The debate also reflects broader shifts in Republican Party dynamics since Floyd’s death in May 2020. Media analyses, including those from CNN and Newsweek, note that Trump’s administration is pushing back against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, while figures like Shapiro and Musk are testing the limits of political controversy. Smith, known for his outspoken commentary, seems to position himself as a voice of reason, urging Trump to avoid distractions that could alienate large swaths of the American public.
