CNN host Don Lemon has responded to Donald Trump’s criticism of his interview with LeBron James, saying the president “traffics in racism”.

Last week, the US president tweeted that Lemon “made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do”, in response to a conversation the two men had about Trump’s previous attacks on black athletes.

On Monday’s CNN Tonight, Lemon said he was not surprised about Trump’s response. “Let me not mince words here. This president traffics in racism and is fueled by bullying. From keeping children at the border in cages to bullying journalists at his rallies every chance that he gets. President Trump is trying a divide and conquer strategy here and here’s how it goes.

“He is trying to divide by race and conquer decency by smearing and the truth and the people who fight to uphold it. I’ve wondered sometimes if he will succeed. If President Trump, if he’s the one who has the finger on the pulse of this country. Is he revealing who we really are? Think about that. Is this who we really are? The overwhelming negative response to his unfair and unkind attack on a good man, LeBron James, shows America rejects what he is peddling. Most of America anyway.”

Trevor Noah: 'Trump gets a vacation, but we don't get a vacation from him' Read more

James, who has not responded to Trump’s comments, won widespread report from fellow athletes. After Trump compared the Los Angeles Lakers star unfavourably to Michael Jordan, Jordan said “I support LJ. He’s doing an amazing job for his community.”

Perhaps James’s most surprising defender was the first lady, Melania Trump, who praised the three-time NBA champion’s new school, which he opened in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. The first lady’s comments came less than 24 hours after her husband’s criticism of James.

“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,” a statement provided by her spokeswoman said. “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.”