When former Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James opened up the I Promise School in his hometown of Akron this past Monday, he received high praise for his philanthropic gesture. However, President Donald Trump found a way to attack James and his intelligence after the NBA veteran once again offered critical comments about him.
Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2018
Trump’s tweet, which also included his alleged preference for Michael Jordan as a basketball star, came in the wake of a CNN rebroadcast on Friday night of Don Lemon‘s interview of James. That interview, which was originally shown on Monday, largely focused on the new school, though James also stated that Trump was using athletics to try and split up the country.
“Sports has never been something that divides people,” James told Lemon. “It’s always been something that brings someone together.”
Even before Trump was elected in November 2016, James had criticized him and has continued that tone. Last year, James tweeted that Trump was a “bum” after it was announced that the Golden State Warriors would not be invited to the White House to celebrate their 2017 title.
U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017
James has also criticized Trump for his role in the NFL’s controversy over the National Anthem to his role as commander in chief.
“He doesn’t understand the power that he has for being the leader of this beautiful country,” James said then. “He doesn’t understand how many kids, no matter the race, look up to the president of the United States for guidance, for leadership, for words of encouragement. He doesn’t understand that, and that’s what makes me more sick than anything, that we have someone that’s … this is the most, this is the No. 1 position in the world.”
After Trump offered his most recent tweet, Lemon responded and compared James’ actions to Trump’s controversial approach to dealing with illegal immigration.
Who’s the real dummy? A man who puts kids in classrooms or one who puts kids in cages? #BeBest https://t.co/XO50qVksnR
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) August 4, 2018
Trump’s criticism of James is in stark contrast to some previous tweets that offer some amusing irony in the aftermath of Friday night’s social media outburst.
Congratulations to @KingJames on winning Athlete of the Year in last night’s @ESPYS. LeBron is also a great guy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 18, 2013
Great shot by @KingJames yesterday. Lebron is a tough competitor who delivers under pressure.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 11, 2015
After signing a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, James will undoubtedly have a larger platform to offer such opinions in the future. His criticism of Trump, whose current term of office doesn’t end until January 2021, doesn’t figure to subside. One thing that does seem certain is that the fireworks will continue on both sides.
