President Donald Trump launched a scathing late-night attack against radio host Charlamagne tha God following the media personality’s critical assessment of the Trump presidency during an appearance on Lara Trump’s show Saturday.
The confrontation began when Lara Trump, the President’s daughter-in-law, asked Charlamagne to rate the Trump presidency during their interview. Charlamagne responded that he would not give Trump a good rating, explaining that the least fortunate Americans were still being impacted the worst and that people were currently hurting.
Trump’s response came in a 2:30 a.m. Sunday post on Truth Social, where he praised his daughter-in-law’s show as a ratings success before launching into an attack on her guest. The President called Charlamagne a “racist sleazebag” and questioned why he was allowed to use the word “GOD” when describing himself, suggesting there would be significant public outcry if Trump used such a nickname.
In his early morning social media tirade, Trump characterized Charlamagne as a low IQ individual who had no idea what words were coming out of his mouth and knew nothing about Trump or his accomplishments. The President also questioned whether Charlamagne would vote for former President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris, referring to Biden by his frequently used nickname “Sleepy Joe.”
The President’s criticism of Charlamagne’s use of “tha God” in his stage name appeared particularly to irk Trump, despite his own history of making similar references. In 2016, following his electoral victory, Trump reflected that only God could have accomplished such a result. During an August 2019 press conference, he jokingly declared himself “the chosen one” while glancing theatrically toward the sky.
Trump has also shared quotes from conspiracy theorist Wayne Allyn Root, reflecting on how Jewish people in Israel love him like he is the King of Israel and like he is the second coming of God. Following his near-death experience at a 2024 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump has repeatedly described the incident as evidence of divine intervention, stating he felt God’s presence and was saved by the hand of God.
The incident represents another example of Trump’s pattern of responding aggressively to media criticism through social media posts, particularly during late-night hours. His recent social media activity has included similar confrontational exchanges with various media figures and political opponents who have questioned his policies or performance.
Charlamagne tha God, whose real name is Lenard McKelvey, hosts “The Breakfast Club” radio show and has become a prominent voice in media discussions about politics and social issues. His appearance on Lara Trump’s show was part of ongoing media interviews where he has discussed various political topics and current events.
Lara Trump’s show, which the President described as having big ratings success, has featured various guests discussing political and social topics. The format typically includes interviews and discussions about current events, with Lara Trump asking guests for their perspectives on the Trump administration’s policies and performance.
The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and media personalities who offer critical assessments of the President’s performance. Trump’s response pattern typically involves direct personal attacks on critics, questioning their intelligence or motivations, and dismissing their credibility.
The timing of Trump’s social media response, posted at 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, follows his established pattern of late-night or early morning posts addressing perceived slights or criticisms. These posts often contain personal attacks and inflammatory language directed at media figures, political opponents, or other public personalities.
The controversy over Charlamagne’s comments about the impact on the least fortunate Americans reflects broader debates about the Trump administration’s economic and social policies. Critics have argued that certain policies disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, while supporters maintain that the administration’s policies benefit all Americans.
Trump’s questioning of Charlamagne’s potential voting preferences for Biden or Harris suggests the President views the radio host as aligned with Democratic political figures. This characterization fits Trump’s broader strategy of portraying media critics as partisan opponents rather than independent commentators offering legitimate criticism.
The incident occurred as Trump continues to face various challenges and criticisms regarding his administration’s handling of multiple policy areas. His response to Charlamagne’s assessment demonstrates his continued sensitivity to negative evaluations of his presidential performance, particularly from prominent media personalities with significant public platforms.
