On 3/8, former President Donald Trump took to social media to criticize author, producer, and radio host Lenard McKelvy, also known as "Charlamagne Tha God".
Trump's outburst followed Charlamagne's comments during an interview last week with Lara Trump on Fox News. Charlamagne expressed disapproval of Trump's leadership, arguing that the most vulnerable Americans remain the hardest hit.
While acknowledging personal benefits from Trump's tax cuts, Charlamagne added, "Many people were negatively impacted by that legislation". He continued, "Anything that takes away people's access to Medicaid and puts them in a worse financial position, I don't support".
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Media personality Charlamagne Tha God during an interview with Lara Trump on Fox News on 31/7. Photo: AP |
Media personality Charlamagne Tha God during an interview with Lara Trump on Fox News on 31/7. Photo: AP
Charlamagne predicted that "traditional conservatives" would regain control of the Republican party from Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement, citing the controversy surrounding "billionaire pedophile" Jeffrey Epstein.
"I think there's a political coup happening within the Republican party that many haven't noticed," Charlamagne said. "I think the Epstein case will be the way traditional conservatives reclaim their party. They know this is an issue that infuriates the MAGA base, and they won't let it go. For the first time, they can take back the party without alienating MAGA voters. I think they'll do it."
Charlamagne told Lara Trump that his criticism of President Trump wasn't new, adding that he'd also criticized President Biden and the Democratic party's perceived ineffectiveness.
In his Truth Social post on 3/8, Trump labeled Charlamagne a "racist" and an "idiot" who voted for Kamala Harris in the late 2024 election.
"Charlamagne doesn't know what he's talking about, nor does he know anything about me or what I've done, like ending five wars, obliterating Iran's nuclear capability, closing the national border, or building the greatest economy where prices and inflation dropped dramatically," Trump wrote.
The former president also took issue with Charlamagne's use of "God" in his moniker. "Why is Charlamagne allowed to call himself 'God'? Can anyone imagine the public reaction if I used that title?"
Trump didn't address Charlamagne's points about Republican infighting, the Epstein case, or the impact on vulnerable Americans.
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Former President Donald Trump at the White House on 22/7. Photo: AFP |
Former President Donald Trump at the White House on 22/7. Photo: AFP
Jeffrey Epstein (born 1953) was an American financier. In 7/2019, he was arrested in New York on charges of soliciting and transporting dozens of minors, some as young as 14, for sexual acts. He faced 45 years in prison if convicted. Epstein denied all charges and was held in a Manhattan jail. However, while awaiting trial, he died by suicide in his cell in 8/2019.
Trump has recently faced pressure following the release of a Justice Department and FBI memo concluding there's no evidence Epstein "kept a client list" or blackmailed powerful figures, contrary to widespread rumors. This has caused discontent among some of his supporters who believed those rumors.
Trump has repeatedly urged Republican voters not to "waste time" on the case, calling the "Epstein file" a Democratic hoax for political gain.
While acknowledging a past friendship with Epstein, Trump denies visiting the financier's Virgin Islands residence where the alleged crimes occurred.
Duc Trung (Politico, Washington Post, Fox)
