Stephen A. Smith has issued a stark warning that President Donald Trump could intervene and prompt a government investigation into how the WNBA is treating Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever star. This development comes amid heightened attention to Clark‘s rookie season and the contentious physical play she has endured.

Last week, the Wall Street Journal published an editorial suggesting Clark’s civil rights might be at risk due to the intense fouling she faces on the court. This sparked a larger debate about whether the league is protecting her appropriately given her status and visibility.

The Growing Speculation Around a Federal Investigation

Smith addressed the issue during his podcast, where Fox News interpreted his statements as backing a federal inquiry into the WNBA‘s handling of Caitlin Clark. However, on the Thursday edition of First Take, Smith sought to clarify his position. Although his exact stance remained somewhat ambiguous—neither fully supporting nor rejecting the notion of an investigation—he was unequivocal about the potential consequences.

According to Smith and his political sources, Donald Trump is closely following the situation involving Clark, and might decide to become publicly involved by advocating for a government probe.

Stephen A. Smith thinks Donald Trump could get involved calling for an investigation into Caitlin Clark’s WNBA treatment.
“If he gets involved and that base gets involved, because somehow, some way they embrace victimhood on the part of Caitlin Clark it could be a problem.” —Awful Announcing

Smith emphasized his certainty about the prospects of Trump’s involvement, making clear this warning comes from credible information.

“I am not guessing on this,”

he said.

“I didn’t go on my show and just bring it up for no reason. I happen to know a few people who have said this is something that, ‘do not be surprised if President Trump speaks on eventually.’”

He explained that if Trump perceives this issue as a chance to rally his supporters — a base protective of Clark and invested in her image — then the WNBA could face serious challenges.

“And if that man decides that this is something that can feed his base, that can ingratiate himself with that kind of audience that is protective of a Caitlin Clark and what she stands for and what she represents, and they come to a conclusion that they believe she is being unfairly treated, that is going to be a problem for the WNBA.”

Caitlin Clark’s Unique Position and the Larger Sports Context

Caitlin Clark’s rise has made her a frequent subject of political and cultural debate, but the possibility of a federal investigation marks a new and unprecedented escalation. The Indiana Fever guard has openly acknowledged the physicality she faces in the WNBA, a reality familiar to many athletes across sports history. Yet, there has been no call from Clark or the women’s basketball community for government intervention.

Indeed, the idea of political figures stepping into the realm of on-court interactions risks crossing a significant line. The sports world has long managed issues like fouling and physical play internally, and an external investigation would represent an unusual intrusion unlikely to be welcome by most involved in the game.

He pays attention to this kind of stuff and this is the kind of stuff that can feed that base. So I’m saying to the WNBA, because I support the WNBA, I want them to succeed, I want all these ladies to get their money, I want them to have their success, I’m just warning them – watch it. Because if he gets involved and that base gets involved, because somehow, some way they embrace victimhood on the part of Caitlin Clark it could be a problem,

—Stephen A. Smith

Political Stakes and Cultural Polarization Surrounding the Issue

The Trump administration’s possible involvement reflects how sports increasingly intersect with political and cultural conflicts. Supporting Caitlin Clark could energize Trump’s MAGA base but would also stir tensions nationwide, further deepening divisions along racial and ideological lines.

A conflict between Trump and the WNBA would likely eclipse previous sports controversies such as Trump’s feud with the NFL over Colin Kaepernick, by introducing a highly charged political narrative around women’s basketball.

If the current political leadership takes up this fight, despite no direct requests for federal action, it could be a highly disruptive event for Caitlin Clark personally, for the WNBA as a league, and for sports culture more broadly. Smith’s warning indicates that political motivations might overshadow the realities of the sport, turning what has been an athletic competition into a polarizing political battle.

With Trump potentially using the situation to mobilize his supporters, the future of the WNBA and Caitlin Clark’s career could face unprecedented challenges, highlighting the fragile intersection of sports, politics, and social issues in America today.