Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, has admitted he regrets calling Donald Trump a “buffoon” shortly after the president’s 2016 election, walking back remarks he made in the heat of a post-election press conference.
In a wide-ranging interview with The New Yorker, Kerr recalled the moment he let fly with the personal attack, saying he was “so disgusted” by the new tone Trump was establishing that he did not hold back. Years later, however, he has come to see the need for more restraint. “I’ve learned that I need to be better in terms of representing our organisation in a way that I could still let my feelings be known but not get too personal,” he said. “I’m representing a large group of people.”
Kerr acknowledged that the divisive nature of American political discourse predated Trump’s rise, pointing to the role of social media and broader societal fractures. “I don’t think it’s all Trump’s fault,” he said. “He definitely has taken advantage of that to gain and to consolidate power. And he’s using it to drive a wedge between all of us. He’s not the only one who’s done that, but he’s the President. He’s got the most power.”
The coach added: “But calling the President a buffoon, I kind of regret that, even though I felt it in my heart. It’s better to point out policy decisions, but also American values. What’s wrong with the things that he does.” Kerr has also reflected on his past comments about the NBA’s relationship with China, admitting he “didn’t handle it well” and was “trying to walk the company line.”
A Personal Tragedy Shaped His Worldview
Kerr’s reflections on political rhetoric and foreign policy are deeply rooted in a personal tragedy that has defined much of his life. His father, Malcolm Kerr, was a renowned expert on the Middle East and the president of the American University of Beirut. In 1984, he was shot and killed in his office by members of the Islamic Jihad Organization, a group with close ties to Hezbollah and, according to Kerr, backed by Iranian proxies.
The assassination has given Kerr an intimate, and painful, perspective on the consequences of conflict in the region. “My dad was killed by Iranian proxies forty-two years ago. I have no regard for the Iranian regime whatsoever,” he said. “But the answer does not lie in starting a war and killing innocent people.” Kerr has voiced particular concern about the United States potentially entering an “unwinnable” war with Iran, drawing parallels to Vietnam and Iraq, where he believes the public was misled by the government.
This experience informs his criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its incursion into southern Lebanon. “Imagine being a parent of one of the one hundred and seventy-five girls who died when their school was bombed. Their loss, their suffering . . . How are they going to feel about America? Violence begets violence,” he said. Kerr argued that Israel missed an opportunity for diplomacy after the October 7th attacks. “There was an opening for Israel to handle their business with the Palestinians diplomatically that would have solidified the Abraham Accords and allowed stronger alliances with Arab countries that would have really cornered Iran. Instead, Israel sought revenge for October 7th and now seventy-two thousand Palestinians have been killed and Israeli settlers are taking over the West Bank illegally, with the approval of Israel’s government and the U.S. Ambassador, Mike Huckabee. That’s not a path to any sort of peace or security for Israel or the rest of the Middle East.”
Political Views and the State of America
Despite his deep engagement with foreign policy, Kerr has no desire to enter politics himself. “I don’t have any desire to go into politics,” he told The New Yorker. “I love basketball. This is my world. All of my friends and my people are in this world. And whether I keep coaching the Warriors or not, I imagine I’ll be involved in basketball.”
His broader critique of the United States is bleak. “I think we’re as weak as we’ve ever been as a country, at least in a long time, because our leadership is so misguided,” he said. “There’s a lack of humility, a lack of dignity, a lack of understanding of the world, a lack of embracing other perspectives. The belligerence.” Kerr has also been a vocal advocate for gun control, drawing on his own experience with gun violence, and previously spoke out against Trump’s travel ban, calling it “shocking” and a “horrible idea” that goes against American principles.
He argues that the media itself exacerbates division. “Media for profit” reinforces negative stereotypes and foments anger, he believes, which is “not a good recipe for a healthy country.”
Future with the Golden State Warriors
Kerr’s future with the Warriors is uncertain, with his contract up for renewal and considerable speculation about his next move. He has reportedly been considering retirement due to burnout, though his decision may be influenced by the presence of star players Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. He has stated that it would be an “easy decision” to stay if they were retiring — implying their continued presence could keep him on the sidelines.
However, reports suggest that internal frustration has grown within the Warriors organisation over Kerr’s outspokenness on social and political issues, with some sources indicating he may even be limited in his public remarks. There have been discussions about his potential departure, with some suggesting he is not expected to return unless there is a “renewed faith” from the front office, which may involve changes to his staff and strategy. Some reports also indicate that Kerr has been meeting with media agents, hinting at a possible move into sports media if he leaves coaching. Long-time NBA coach Billy Donovan has been mentioned as a potential successor.
Kerr has indicated he will discuss his future with team management and ownership in the coming weeks, aiming to make a “collaborative” decision. “I love coaching,” he said, “but I understand that such roles have an expiration date.”
