Donald Trump has taunted NBA player LeBron James over his intelligence, claiming it "isn't easy" to make him "look smart".
In an interview with CNN, James said he thought the president had used sports to "divide" the US, adding it was something he "can't relate to".
In an angry response, the US president tweeted: "Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn't easy to do."
He concluded the post by writing "I like Mike" – which appears to be a reference to former NBA star Michael Jordan.
CNN anchor Don Lemon replied to Mr Trump's tweet, asking: "Who's the real dummy? A man who puts kids in classrooms or one who puts kids in cages? #BeBest".
The CNN interview aired on Monday, after James opened his school for disadvantaged children in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
During the interview, James and Lemon toured the school and discussed sports, politics and race relations.
Lemon asked James if he would consider running for president, to which the sports star said: "Let's see first".
In a segment aired on CNN, James was asked if he would ever sit down with Mr Trump.
"I would never sit across from him," he said.
Melania Trump also waded into the disagreement the next day, praising James for doing "good things on behalf of our next generation".
Her spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said: "The First Lady encourages everyone to have an open dialogue about issues facing children today.
"As you know, Mrs Trump has travelled the country and world talking to children about their well-being, healthy living, and the importance of responsible online behaviour with her Be Best initiative.
"Her platform centres around visiting organisations, hospitals and schools, and she would be open to visiting the I Promise School in Akron."
Last year, Mr Trump rescinded an invitation for NBA champions Golden State Warriors to visit the White House after team captain Stephen Curry questioned the billionaire's presidency.
Attacking Mr Trump, James later tweeted: "U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!"
More from Donald Trump
Despite this, there hasn't always been bad blood between Mr Trump and the three-time NBA champion.
In 2013, Mr Trump tweeted: "Lebron is a great player and a great guy!"
Donald Trump has taunted NBA player LeBron James over his intelligence, claiming it "isn't easy" to make him "look smart".
In an interview with CNN, James said he thought the president had used sports to "divide" the US, adding it was something he "can't relate to".
In an angry response, the US president tweeted: "Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn't easy to do."
He concluded the post by writing "I like Mike" – which appears to be a reference to former NBA star Michael Jordan.
CNN anchor Don Lemon replied to Mr Trump's tweet, asking: "Who's the real dummy? A man who puts kids in classrooms or one who puts kids in cages? #BeBest".
The CNN interview aired on Monday, after James opened his school for disadvantaged children in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
During the interview, James and Lemon toured the school and discussed sports, politics and race relations.
Lemon asked James if he would consider running for president, to which the sports star said: "Let's see first".
In a segment aired on CNN, James was asked if he would ever sit down with Mr Trump.
"I would never sit across from him," he said.
Melania Trump also waded into the disagreement the next day, praising James for doing "good things on behalf of our next generation".
Her spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said: "The First Lady encourages everyone to have an open dialogue about issues facing children today.
"As you know, Mrs Trump has travelled the country and world talking to children about their well-being, healthy living, and the importance of responsible online behaviour with her Be Best initiative.
"Her platform centres around visiting organisations, hospitals and schools, and she would be open to visiting the I Promise School in Akron."
Last year, Mr Trump rescinded an invitation for NBA champions Golden State Warriors to visit the White House after team captain Stephen Curry questioned the billionaire's presidency.
Attacking Mr Trump, James later tweeted: "U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!"
More from Donald Trump
Despite this, there hasn't always been bad blood between Mr Trump and the three-time NBA champion.
In 2013, Mr Trump tweeted: "Lebron is a great player and a great guy!"
