Stephen A. Smith Walks Off Stage at Town Hall After Hearing Federal Worker’s Shutdown Struggles
Written by b87fm on 10/20/2025
During a NewsNation town hall on Wednesday night, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith stunned the room when he abruptly walked off stage after an audience member shared an emotional story about how the government shutdown has upended his life.
Jack Criss Jr., a 16-year air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration, stepped to the microphone and revealed that after his shift ends each day, he drives for DoorDash just to pay for his daughter’s tuition.
“I’ve also been through the Obama shutdown and the Trump shutdown,” Criss said to the panel, which included Chris Cuomo, Bill O’Reilly, and several lawmakers. “Under the current political climate, do you think this shutdown could actually be longer than the previous shutdown? … I am actually driving DoorDash when I got off from work just to make sure I can pay for my daughter’s tuition.”
His story drew a strong reaction from Smith, who was visibly frustrated by the lack of urgency from Washington.
“This is not a game,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) in response to Criss’ situation. “There are people like you who aren’t going to get paid.”
Smith then took the mic. “I don’t think Washington understands how ticked off we truly are,” he said. “A young man walked up to the microphone and said that he had to leave here to go and work on DoorDash to help pay for his daughter’s tuition. Meanwhile, everybody up here is getting paid, but he ain’t.”
“A government shutdown is going on right now. A man has to work on DoorDash when he’s really an air traffic controller that we applauded, and we’re up here talking about how much some money is going to cost, and the only person that don’t have a check coming is him. You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to take a break.”
Smith then stood up, pushed back his chair, and walked off stage, leaving the audience in stunned silence — and leaving many to wonder whether his exit was a dramatic stunt or a moment of genuine frustration with Washington. And if it was indeed real disgust, some are questioning whether walking away from these difficult conversations is the best way to push for meaningful solutions.
The government shutdown has entered its third week after Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a funding deal. Thousands of federal workers across the country are now either furloughed or working without pay — a reality that continues to escalate tensions nationwide.
