Two weeks after saying he was "seriously considering" a 2028 presidential run, Stephen A. Smith told Sean Hannity he is now ruling it out.

"2028 is coming pretty quick," Hannity said on his new "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast. "I think it’s all bullsh*t. I don’t think you’re running. Am I right?"

"I don’t think I’m running either, because I gotta give up my money," Smith responded. "I ain’t giving up my money, Sean. Sean, I ain’t giving up my money. I can tell you right now, let me put the presidential aspirations to bed. If I have to give up my money, it’s not happening."

Smith was referring to the five-year, $100 million contract he signed with ESPN last March and his deal with SiriusXM, reportedly worth more than $10 million per year.

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - FEBRUARY 19: Stephen A. Smith looks on during the game between the Mississippi Rebels and the Louisiana State Tigers at The Pavilion at Ole Miss on February 19, 2026 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Of course, Smith ruling out a run for office may not mean much, given his penchant for staying in the headlines. As OutKick has predicted on numerous occasions, Smith will likely continue sending mixed messages until the deadline to qualify for the first Democratic primary debate in 2027.

The odds of him making another statement hinting at a run in the coming weeks are high. He thrives on attention. Like his political commentary, there is little consistency in what Smith says about his presidential ambitions. He appears to make it up as he goes.

Of course, we do not expect him to run in the ene. First, as he acknowledged, he would have to forfeit 10s of millions of dollars. Second, he would face significant challenges on a debate stage.

That is not to say the Democratic primary field is stacked with intellectual heavyweights. It is not. However, Smith struggled to handle social issue debates with former ESPN colleague Max Kellerman, whom he ultimately had removed from "First Take." It is difficult to imagine him faring better against seasoned politicians.

Despite teasing a run, Smith has never clearly outlined his positions on major policy issues. Some days, he advocates for strong border enforcement. Other days, he does not. At times, he describes America as systemically racist. At other moments, he criticizes the left for taking racial politics too far.

Source: The Latest & Most Breaking News With OutKick