Charlamagne Responds To Trump Comments

iHeartMeida Radio personality Charlamagne Tha God, whose real name is Lenard Larry McKelvey, responded to President Donald Trump’s inflammatory comments labeling him a “racist sleazebag” and “low IQ individual” during a segment on his nationally syndicated show, The Breakfast Club, on Monday. 

Trump’s remarks, posted on Truth Social Sunday, came after Charlamagne’s appearance on My View with Lara Trump, a Fox News program hosted by the president’s daughter-in-law, where he criticized Trump’s presidency and suggested the Jeffrey Epstein controversy could enable traditional conservatives to reclaim the Republican Party from the MAGA movement. 

Charlamagne’s Response on The Breakfast Club

“Donkey of the Day” Segment: On August 4, 2025, Charlamagne addressed Trump’s comments on The Breakfast Club during his “Donkey of the Day” segment, where he typically critiques public figures. He responded with a mix of humor, defiance, and pointed rebuttals, shrugging off Trump’s insults while accusing the administration of authoritarian tactics.

On Being Called a “Sleazebag”: Charlamagne quipped, “He called me a sleazebag. I looked up the definition of sleazebag, says it’s ‘a disgusting or despicable person.’ Depending on who you ask, that may apply to me. Okay, I personally prefer friendly neighborhood a-hole.” This lighthearted deflection highlighted his ability to absorb personal attacks without escalating the tone.

On “Low IQ” Claim: Addressing Trump’s “low IQ” insult, Charlamagne said, “He said, ‘I’m a low IQ individual.’ I don’t know. I’ve never taken an IQ test. He said I have no idea what words are coming out of my mouth. Absolutely true. Okay, I’ve been surprising myself my whole life, like, damn, ‘I actually said that.’” This sarcastic response played into his persona as a candid, unfiltered commentator.

Accusing Authoritarianism: Charlamagne accused Trump of using an “authoritarian strategy” to silence critics, citing the firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer after a weak jobs report as evidence. He stated, “We are in a strange time right now, a time we have never seen because authoritarian strategy is being used against anyone who speaks out against this administration.” He argued that Trump’s reaction to his comments and the firing showed an attempt to “bully people into pushing false narratives.”

Challenging Trump’s Claims: Charlamagne disputed Trump’s assertion of ending five wars, questioning the specifics, and criticized his economic claims, noting, “You’re doing exactly what the Biden administration did, trying to convince America the economy is all good when it’s not—maybe for people in a certain tax bracket, but for the majority of your constituents who aren’t in the 1% it’s not all good.” He also referenced Trump’s executive order directing the Smithsonian to remove exhibits on systemic racism, saying, “I didn’t even bring that up [on Lara Trump’s show]. I was just talking to your base, letting your base know that you haven’t kept the promises you made.”

Rooting for Trump: Despite his criticism, Charlamagne expressed a desire for Trump’s success, stating, “President Trump, don’t worry about Lenard, okay, don’t worry about Charlamagne tha God. I know something I said hit a nerve and rattled you a little bit, but I don’t want you rattled. I want you to end wars, okay? I want you to keep the border secure. I want you to have the economy booming, okay? I want all these things to be true. I am an American. I don’t care who’s in the White House. I want America to succeed. But I need you focused, and right now you’re not focused.” This balanced his critique with a patriotic appeal, emphasizing accountability over partisanship.