CNN anchor Don Lemon lashed out Monday night at Donald Trump after the president called him "the dumbest man on television" in a tweet Friday night.

>> Read more trending news

Lemon aired an interview with basketball great LeBron James on the opening of a new school for 240 at-risk third and fourth graders.

When asked about the president, 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.”

Lemon noted that, while Trump has insulted the intelligence of white people, especially women, he said the president seems to target black men and women more often. Trump has also targeted California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, describing her 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 said. "This president traffics in racism. And is fueled by bullying."

About the Author

Keep Reading

KhaDarel Hodge (center) and the Atlanta Falcons celebrated two wins over the Buccaneers last season — one on Oct. 4 when Hodge scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime in Atlanta (pictured) and the second one Oct. 27 in Tampa, Florida. The Falcons and Bucs open the 2025 NFL season on Sept. 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (John Bazemore/AP 2024)

Credit: AP

Featured

(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC | Source: Getty, Open Street Map)

Credit: Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC | Source: Getty, Open Street Map