CNN’s Don Lemon to Trump: ‘Referring to African-Americans as dumb is one of the oldest canards of racism in this country.’

CNN anchor Don Lemon Monday night lashed back at Donald Trump after the president called him "the dumbest man on television" in a Tweet a few days ago.

Lemon had aired an interview with LeBron James to talk about opening a school for 240 at-risk third and fourth graders. When asked, James said he'd never sit down with Trump but wouldn't mind doing so with Barack Obama. Trump, James said, is "trying to divide us."

While Lemon noted that Trump has insulted the intelligence of white folks (especially women), he said Trump seems to go after black men and women with special venom. Trump's current favorite target: California Rep. Maxine Waters as a "low-IQ individual."

“Referring to African-Americans as dumb is one of the oldest canards of America’s racist past and present, that black people are of inferior intelligence,” Lemon said.

“Let me not mince words here,” he added. “This president traffics in racism. And is fueled by bullying.”

About the Author

Rodney Ho

Rodney Ho writes about entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution including TV, radio, film, comedy and all things in between. A native New Yorker, he has covered education at The Virginian-Pilot, small business for The Wall Street Journal and a host of beats at the AJC over 20-plus years. He loves tennis, pop culture & seeing live events.