Apparently, the president of the United States has nothing better to do on a Friday night than watch CNN — a channel he constantly trashes — and tweet about his hatred for the network’s broadcaster Don Lemon, along with Lemon’s interviewee of the night, LeBron James.
“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!” Trump tweeted around midnight, seemingly referencing Michael Jordan.
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
In the interview, James and Lemon mostly talked about James’ contributions to his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Just last week, the four-time MVP launched a new public school for at-risk third- and fourth-graders in Akron.
“We want every kid that walks through this school to be inspired, to come … away with something, something where they can give back,” James said. “For kids, in general, all they want to know is that someone cares. And when they walk through that door, I hope they know that someone cares.”
James also discussed how sports can bring people together, whereas Trump is “using sports to kinda divide” the country.
“He’s kinda used sports to kinda divide us,” James told Lemon. “And that’s something that I can’t relate to because I know that sport was the first time I was around someone white.”
As of Saturday afternoon, James has not yet responded to Trump’s tweet. He did, however, tweet a celebration of his new school.
Let’s get it kids!! Love you guys https://t.co/kY88geedus
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 4, 2018
Lemon indirectly replied by tweeting a link to an article about James’ school and writing, “Who’s the real dummy? A Man who puts kids in classrooms or one who puts kids in cages?”
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
He also added the hashtag #BeBest, a nod to first lady Melanie’s Trump anti-bullying initiative.
CNN Communications also replied, referencing last week’s report from The New York Times, which said Trump was enraged when boarding Air Force One because Melania’s TV was tuned to CNN.
Sounds like @FLOTUS had the remote last night. ? We hope you both saw the incredible work of @KingJames. #BeBesthttps://t.co/3Ok0z9Z6Ro
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) August 4, 2018
Michael Jordan himself even chimed in, stating his support for James rather than Trump.
Michael Jordan’s statement on Donald Trump’s tweet about LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/9kplP3vxwW
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) August 4, 2018
Trump has previously called Lemon the “dumbest man on television,” and he even claimed that he never watches him (which, obviously isn’t true).
Though James has been open about his disdain for the president and his policies, old tweets from Trump show that he hasn’t always disliked the NBA star. Since 2012, Trump has called James everything from “a tough competitor who delivers under pressure,” to “a great player and a great guy.”
Great shot by @KingJames yesterday. Lebron is a tough competitor who delivers under pressure.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 11, 2015
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
After Trump’s late-night tweet, a ton of people — including athletes, politicians, and celebrities — went on the defense for James.
We got your back @KingJames ?? Someone sure sound like they wish they was you.
— Bobby Wagner (@Bwagz) August 4, 2018
Rather than criticizing @KingJames, we should be celebrating him for his charity work and efforts to help kids.
By the way, all-around he’s better than Michael Jordan. That’s a fact.
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) August 4, 2018
LeBron James is helping young people get an education. You are an old delusional racist who puts our country at risk.
— Adam Rippon (@Adaripp) August 4, 2018
So let me get this straight: Flint, MI has dirty water still, but you worried about an interview about a man doing good for education and generations of kids in his hometown? Shut your damn mouth! Stop using them twitter fingers and get stuff done for our country with that pen. https://t.co/sEkX3OKaJM
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) August 4, 2018
A sign of an insecure human being is one who attacks others to make themselves feel better… im just sad that young kids have to see stupid tweets like these and grow up thinking it’s okay… forget everything else Donald your setting a bad example for kids? our future ? https://t.co/eg0MECg8xC
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 4, 2018
Our country would be far better off if you had a fraction of Mr. Lebron’s intellect and integrity. Your racist, ignorant comments hurt America and all of us.
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) August 4, 2018
LeBron James just opened a public school for at-risk kids, while the Trump Administration continues to keep migrant children separated from their families. That’s all you need to know.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 4, 2018
Hopefully the backlash will inspire Trump to log the f*ck off, once and for all.