LeBron James is arguably one of the most influential figures, not just in basketball but also beyond the sports world. The Akron, Ohio-born star has achieved remarkable feats throughout his over two decades of experience in the league and has made a significant impact as a citizen in the United States.
Amidst the Lakers’ star feud with the former US president Donald Trump, where Trump ridiculed LeBron’s remarks, the subsequent action of First Lady Melania Trump left many who followed the event stunned.
Melania Trump offered quiet support to LeBron James
Following the feud between LeBron James and the then USA president Donald Trump, Melania Trump was among those throwing support behind the Lakers’ star. President Donald Trump publicly ridiculed the intelligence of NBA star LeBron James after his interview with CNN, during which he made some bold statements.
According to ‘Daily Blast Live,’ an official statement released by the First Lady Melania Trump’s spokeswoman mentioned that Melania believed LeBron James was working on good things on behalf of the next generation. Also, Melania was in full support of the campaign against child cyberbullying.
As per Melania’s spokeswoman, the statement read, “It looks like LeBron James is working to do good things on behalf of our next generation and just as she always has, the First Lady encourages everyone to have an open dialogue about issues facing children today. As you know, Mrs. Trump has traveled the country and world talking to children about their well-being, healthy living, and the importance of responsible online behavior with her Be Best initiative. Her platform centers around visiting organizations, hospitals, and schools, and she would be open to visiting the I Promise School in Akron.”
Moreover, notable personalities expressed their willingness to throw their support behind LeBron James. NBA legends such as MJ and Steph Curry, along with figures like Hillary Clinton and Lakers’ owner Jeanie Buss, lent their voices in support of LeBron. First Lady Melania Trump, opting to support LeBron James after his bold statements, instead of her husband Donald Trump, sparked an unending wave of discussion.
Trump mocked LeBron’s intelligence
After LeBron James’ CNN interview, Donald Trump took to Twitter (now X) to criticize him and the interviewer, Don Lemon. The interview provided the duo with an opportunity to discuss an array of hot topics, including Donald Trump’s presidency.
Donald Trump, on Twitter (now X) said “Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!”
LeBron James had cited his reason for labeling Donald Trump a “bum,” on the same social media platform, and said, ″[Trump] kinda used sports to kinda divide us,” James told Lemon. “And that’s something that I can’t relate to because I know that sports was the first time I was around someone white.”
However, Lakers star LeBron James once again recalled how Trump reacted to NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling protest during the national anthem. Additionally, Steph Curry’s refusal to visit the White House after the Warriors’ NBA title triumph was another instance of Donald Trump’s stance on peaceful protests.
During the interview, Don Lemon asked LeBron James some sensitive questions, such as what LeBron would say to Donald Trump if they were to meet face-to-face. However, LeBron expressed that it wouldn’t be possible for him to sit across from Donald Trump.
Don Lemon also inquired whether LeBron would consider running for the presidency after his NBA career. Initially dodging the question, LeBron later obliged when Lemon suggested that if he didn’t contest, Trump would win. Before the interview, LeBron had opened up a school in his hometown of Akron Ohio.
LeBron James, had other instances when he spoke on political issues, which even Fox news anchor Laura Ingraham, told him to “shut up and dribble.” Nonetheless, LeBron James has remained a voice outside the basketball court, and he even wrote “I am more than an athlete,” on his basketball shoes, before a matchup.
