(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.'”
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.