President Donald Trump launched a fierce attack against radio host Charlamagne tha God following the media personality’s critical assessment of his presidency during an appearance on Lara Trump’s show Saturday, prompting a scathing late-night response on Truth Social.
The confrontation began when Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, asked Charlamagne during her Fox News program how he would rate Trump’s presidency performance. Charlamagne responded that he would not give Trump a positive rating, explaining that vulnerable populations continued to suffer disproportionate hardship under the current administration. He indicated that many Americans remained in economic distress despite Trump’s policies.
Trump’s reaction came at 2:30 a.m. Sunday in a lengthy Truth Social post where he described Charlamagne as a “racist sleazebag” and questioned his use of “tha God” in his professional name. The president specifically took issue with the radio host’s moniker, asking why Charlamagne was permitted to incorporate “GOD” into his stage name and speculating about public reaction if Trump adopted similar terminology.
In his early morning tirade, Trump characterized Charlamagne as having low intelligence and suggested the host lacked understanding of his own statements. The president questioned whether Charlamagne would support former President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris instead. Trump also praised Lara Trump’s show as a “big ratings success” while simultaneously attacking her guest.
The irony of Trump’s criticism regarding divine references was not lost, given his own history of making similar claims. Following his 2016 electoral victory, Trump reflected that divine intervention was the only explanation for his success. During an August 2019 press conference, he theatrically declared himself “the chosen one” while glancing toward the sky in a moment captured by news cameras.
Trump has previously shared social media posts containing quotes from conspiracy theorist Wayne Allyn Root, which described how Jewish people in Israel viewed him as their king and compared his standing to that of a divine figure. The president, though not known as a religious man, has consistently framed his survival of the July 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, as evidence of heavenly protection, stating multiple times that he felt God’s presence during the incident.
The clash represents another instance of Trump’s pattern of attacking media figures who offer unfavorable assessments of his administration. His response to Charlamagne follows similar confrontations with other prominent personalities and news organizations throughout his political career. The president has frequently used his Truth Social platform to launch personal attacks against critics, often posting during late-night hours.
Charlamagne tha God, whose real name is Lenard McKelvey, hosts “The Breakfast Club” radio show and has built a reputation for conducting pointed political interviews. His appearance on Lara Trump’s program was part of ongoing media engagements where he frequently discusses political and social issues affecting American communities, particularly focusing on policies’ impacts on marginalized populations.
Trump’s attack on Charlamagne also highlighted his sensitivity to criticism from influential voices in media, particularly those with significant reach among diverse audiences. The radio host’s platform extends beyond traditional political commentary, encompassing cultural discussions that resonate with younger and more diverse demographics than typical conservative media outlets.
The timing of Trump’s response, posted in the early morning hours, follows his established pattern of using social media during off-peak times to respond to perceived slights or unfavorable coverage. His Truth Social posts often contain personal attacks and inflammatory language directed at critics across media, politics, and entertainment industries.
This latest controversy adds to ongoing tensions between Trump and various media figures who have offered critical assessments of his presidency. The exchange demonstrates the president’s continued focus on media coverage and his willingness to engage in public disputes with personalities who question his policies or performance in office.