BELOW SUPERNAV drop zone ⇩

Sage Steele sees backlash over photo with Donald Trump

  • 'I now call them out on it. It feels kind of good,' Steele says of haters
  • Podcaster reflects on Trump's win and America's desire for change
  • Steele calls out the perceived hypocrisy of political, cultural elites

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

BE - Test Share

More Sports

(NewsNation) — Former ESPN host Sage Steele is firing back after critics slammed her for posting a photo of herself with former President Donald Trump at a UFC event in Miami.

Anticipating a backlash from her followers, in the caption, she wrote, “Cue the divisive, close-minded thoughts and unfollows in 3…2…1.”

Steele, now the host of “The Sage Steele Show” on Bill Maher’s podcast network Club Random Studios, appeared Monday on NewsNation’s “On Balance” to discuss the reaction to the photo and her views on the political divide in the country.

“The fact that he even won that election in 2016, I remember how it felt. And I was absolutely shocked as I think most of America was,” Steele said. “But I also think in hindsight … what was going through my mind that night was, ‘Wow, America really is tired of the crap and the swamp.'”

Former ESPN host @sagesteele fires back after critics slammed her for posting a photo of herself with former President Donald Trump. She says “You get to a point honestly, where you’re, like, ‘OK, I don’t care if you don’t like me.'”

Steele’s comments reflect a broader sentiment captured in a recent New York Times poll, which found that 42% of Americans believe the Trump presidency was mostly good for the country, compared to just 25% who feel the same way about the current Biden administration.

The divide between the political and cultural elite and the rest of the country has become a major point of contention, with figures such as Katie Couric suggesting that “socioeconomic disparities” and “class resentment” are driving the anti-establishment sentiment among Trump supporters.

Steele, who has been outspoken on political and social issues, says she was raised in a diverse household and has always valued diversity of thought, even when it has led to her being “crushed and canceled” in the past.

“I now call them out on it. It feels kind of good. I think it’s important,” Steele said, referring to those who she believes are not practicing the tolerance and acceptance they preach.

The debate has also spilled over into the realm of sports, with ongoing controversies surrounding transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Steele has been outspoken on this issue, saying that 79% of Americans polled believe men’s and women’s sports should remain separate.

“This is not rocket science. I’m not even close to a scientist. This is common sense,” Steele said.

On Balance with Leland Vittert

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

Site Settings Survey

 

MAIN AREA MIDDLE drop zone ⇩

Trending on NewsNation

MAIN AREA BOTTOM drop zone ⇩

tt

KC Chiefs parade shooting: 1 dead, 21 shot including 9 kids | Morning in America

Witness of Chiefs parade shooting describes suspect | Banfield

Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting: Mom of 2 dead, over 20 shot | Banfield

WWE star Ashley Massaro 'threatened' by board to keep quiet about alleged rape: Friend | Banfield

Friend of WWE star: Ashley Massaro 'spent hours' sobbing after alleged rape | Banfield

Sunny

la

66°F Sunny Feels like 66°
Wind
4 mph SSW
Humidity
33%
Sunrise
Sunset

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 52F. Winds light and variable.
52°F Partly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 52F. Winds light and variable.
Wind
4 mph S
Precip
16%
Sunset
Moon Phase
Waxing Gibbous