President Trump unleashed a fiery rebuke against radio host Charlamagne tha God, branding him a “sleazebag” after his bold claims on Fox News.
On Lara Trump’s show, “My View,” Charlamagne, whose real name is Lenard Larry McKelvey, suggested the Jeffrey Epstein scandal could empower traditional conservatives to wrest control of the Republican Party from MAGA supporters, while Trump dismissed the controversy as a Democratic-fueled hoax.
The New York Post reported that Charlamagne, co-host of “The Breakfast Club,” appeared on Lara Trump’s Fox News program Saturday, stirring the pot with his political predictions. He called the Epstein saga a “political coup” that’s flying under the radar. His assertion that it could shift the GOP’s power dynamics raised eyebrows among conservatives.
“I think this Epstein thing is going to be a way for traditional conservatives to take their party back,” Charlamagne declared. That’s a spicy take, but it assumes a scandal, debunked by a July 6 Justice Department and FBI memo stating Epstein’s death was a suicide, holds more weight than it does. The memo also dismissed rumors of an “incriminating client list,” undermining Charlamagne’s narrative.
His claim smells like wishful thinking from someone hoping to fracture the GOP’s current coalition. Traditional conservatives may have their gripes, but banking on a discredited conspiracy to stage a comeback seems like a stretch. Charlamagne’s betting on a ghost story to reshape a party that’s been redefined by Trump’s influence.
Trump didn’t let Charlamagne’s comments slide, taking to Truth Social early Sunday to clap back. He labeled Charlamagne a “low-IQ individual” who “has no idea what words are coming out of his mouth.” That’s classic Trump—blunt, unapologetic, and ready to dunk on detractors.
“The very wonderful and talented Lara Trump, whose show is a big ratings success, put racist sleazebag Charlamagne ‘The God,’” Trump wrote.
The jab at Charlamagne’s self-styled moniker—“Why is he allowed to use the word ‘GOD’ when describing himself?”—adds a cheeky twist to the former president’s retort. It’s a dig that’s less about theology and more about deflating an ego.
Trump’s response wasn’t just personal; he defended his record, claiming he ended five wars, including a 31-year conflict between the Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Charlamagne’s critique conveniently ignores these achievements, painting a one-sided picture of Trump’s tenure. It’s the kind of selective amnesia that fuels political mudslinging.
Charlamagne didn’t hold back, describing Trump as a “once-in-a-lifetime, one-on-one, political juggernaut.”
But he quickly pivoted, arguing that Americans are still grappling with economic woes under Trump’s policies. That’s a half-truth that glosses over the complexities of global markets and domestic recovery.
He even floated Nikki Haley, former U.N. ambassador, as a Republican he could back. That’s a curious pick—Haley’s a traditional conservative, sure, but her star power pales next to Trump’s grip on the base. Charlamagne’s dreaming if he thinks she’s the key to a GOP makeover.
The radio host’s economic jab stings, but it’s light on specifics. Americans face challenges, no doubt, but pinning it all on Trump ignores the broader context of post-pandemic recovery and global inflation. Charlamagne’s critique feels more like a soundbite than a substantive argument.
Trump countered Charlamagne’s narrative with a laundry list of accomplishments, from brokering peace between India and Pakistan to curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He also claimed he closed the border and built a robust economy with lower prices and inflation. These are bold assertions, but they resonate with supporters who see Trump as a results-driven leader.
“He’s a low-IQ individual, has no idea what words are coming out of his mouth, and knows nothing about me or what I have done,” Trump fired off. The former president’s confidence is unshaken, framing Charlamagne as out of touch with his transformative impact. It’s a classic move—turn the critic’s ignorance into a badge of honor.
Trump’s claim that the country was “DEAD” a year ago but is now the “HOTTEST” in the world is pure hyperbole, but it’s meant to rally the faithful. The MAGA base, still reeling from the Epstein distraction, eats up this kind of rhetoric. It’s less about nuance and more about projecting strength.
The spat between Trump and Charlamagne underscores a deeper rift within the Republican Party. Charlamagne’s hope for a traditional conservative resurgence clashes with the MAGA movement’s firm hold. His Epstein theory, while provocative, lacks the evidence to spark the coup he envisions.
Trump’s quick dismissal of the Epstein issue as a “hoax” pushed by Democrats shows his knack for controlling the narrative. The MAGA base, fiercely loyal, isn’t likely to abandon him over a debunked scandal. Charlamagne’s betting on a fault line that may not exist.
This dust-up is more than a personal feud—it’s a snapshot of a party at a crossroads. Traditional conservatives may dream of a pre-Trump GOP, but the energy, for now, lies with MAGA. Charlamagne’s comments, while bold, feel like a shout into the void against Trump’s enduring influence.
