Stephen A. Smith, a prominent Californian journalist, expressed disgust over the President's cabinet meetings and the "a** kissing" that goes along, which he said is making him physically sick. Smith criticised the administration for constantly praising the president and called out Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and others, while also praising Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Smith argued that this constant “fawning” only leads to distrust among the people. Maher countered that Smith's criticism of the "fawned" has increased, arguing that the fawning breeds a flagrant level of distrust.