Stephen A. Smith: Trump Conviction Raises Concerns of Civil War

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith expresses fear of civil war in the wake of Donald Trump's conviction, citing the former president's divisive rhetoric and his supporters' willingness to resort to violence.

The guilty verdict against former President Donald Trump on charges of falsifying business records has sent shockwaves through the nation, leaving many questioning the future of American politics and the potential for social unrest. Among those expressing concern is ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, who believes the outcome of the trial could lead to civil war in the United States.

"It all points to civil war in this country," Smith said on his YouTube show. "We're all pawns. We're all subject to the mercy of politicians who find a way to manipulate the system and ultimately manipulate us."

Smith's fear stems from the deep divisions that have emerged within American society during Trump's presidency and his subsequent departure from office. Trump's supporters remain strongly loyal, and the former president himself has repeatedly made incendiary statements that have further inflamed tensions.

The storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, by a mob of Trump's supporters, serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence that exists within the country. Smith believes that the guilty verdict against Trump could only exacerbate these tensions, leading to further unrest and potentially even civil war.

"I've had it ever since, I have it now, because Trump is not going to go away quietly," Smith said.

While Smith has been critical of both Trump and President Biden, his concerns about the potential for civil war are not solely based on Trump's conviction. He believes that the deep divisions within American society, coupled with the rise of political extremism, have created a dangerous environment in which violence could easily erupt.

"It ain't about Trump being in jail, it ain't about him being a convicted felon," Smith said. "I don't want him to be the President of the United States, period."

Smith argues that Trump's divisive rhetoric and his willingness to incite violence make him unfit for office. He believes that Trump's actions could lead to further polarization and ultimately a breakdown in the fabric of American society.

"He's not about galvanizing and bringing people together who don't support him, only those who do," Smith said. "I think he puts himself above America."

The potential for civil war in the United States remains a serious concern, and Smith's comments highlight the deep divisions that exist within the country. The guilty verdict against Trump could further exacerbate these divisions, making it crucial for all Americans to work towards unity and reconciliation in order to prevent the worst from happening.