
PresidentDonald Trumpresponded to Charlamagne tha God on Sunday, Aug. 3,calling him a "sleezebag"after the radio host suggested traditional Republicans will userivaled interest in the Jeffrey Epstein filesto take over the GOP again. Charlamagne tha God, whose real name is Lenard McKelvey, is co-host ofthe popular radio show"The Breakfast Club," which draws more than 4 million weekly listeners. The response from Trump came just days afterMcKelvey floated Jon Stewartas possible 2028 presidential candidate after former Vice PresidentKamala Harrissaid she won't runfor California governor, leaving the door open for a potential 2028 run. "I think that traditional conservatives are going to take the Republican Party back," McKelvey said during an interview with the president's daughter-in-law on herFox Newsshow, "My View with Lara Trump." "I think this Epstein thing is going to be a way for traditional conservatives to take their party back, I really do." "I think they know this is the issue that has gotten the base riled up," he said, referencingthe disgraced financierwho died by suicide in August 2019. "The MAGA base isn't letting this issue go, and for the first time, they know they can probably take the party back and not piss off the MAGA base." After the interview, in a Truth Social post, Trump praised his daughter-in-law, called her "amazing and talented," and called the show "a big ratings success." The president thencalled McKelvey a "sleezebag"and discounted his intellegence. "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 wrote. "Just ending 5 Wars, including a 31 year bloodbath between Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, where Seven Million people have died, and there was no end in sight." Trump went on to claim in the post that McKelvey did not know about a myriad of other topics, including India and Pakistan, Iran, the border or the economy. 'Change agent':Charlamagne tha God floats Jon Stewart as possible 2028 candidate Born in Charleston South Carolina, Charlamagne tha God's real name is Lenard Larry McKelvey. Epstein revival continues:Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell quietly moved out of Florida federal prison Charlamange tha God, 47, is an American TV radio host and presenter. He is a co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show, "The Breakfast Club," which discusses a variety of topics including pop culture, celebrity gossip and politics.The podcast hadbeen downloaded more than 1 billion times as of early June,iHeartMediaandThe Black Effect Podcast Networkhave reported. McKelvey is also co-host of the podcast "Brilliant Idiots" and has authored two books:"Black Privilege"and"Shook One." According to his website, McKelvey is slated to beinductedinto the Radio Hall of Fame in October. What is 7-OH?Trump administration wants to products with it as 'an illicit substance' Lara Trump, 42, is married to the president's second son,Eric Trump. The Fox News host is also co-chair of the Republican National Committee. The president's daughter-in-law had been Trump'sfirst choicefor the U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina, where she was born. But late last month sheopted outand endorsed Republican National Committee chair and former North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley. After much consideration and heartfelt discussions with my family, friends, and supporters, I have decided not to pursue the United States Senate seat in North Carolina at this time.I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and support I have received from the people of my…pic.twitter.com/zL3I8fFzO6 — Lara Trump (@LaraLeaTrump)July 24, 2025 Trump also endorsed Whatley for the slot in a late Julysocial media post. In his Truth Media post, the president questioned why McKelvey is "allowed to use the word 'GOD'" when describing himself. "Can anyone imagine the uproar there would be if I used that nickname?" Trump wrote in the post. The White House has previously shared a photo of the presidentdressed as a the popeon its official social media pages, sparking both outlash and glee. The photo was posted just days after Pope Francis died on Easterthis year at age 88. Contributing: Phillip Bailey andSudiksha Kochi Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Trump dismisses Charlamagne tha God after Lara Trump interview