Former President Donald Trump publicly criticized radio host Charlamagne tha God on social media after the host suggested that “traditional conservatives” could reclaim the Republican Party from the MAGA base in light of the Epstein controversy. Trump’s remarks followed an interview between Charlamagne and Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, which aired on March 16, 2024.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump described Charlamagne as a “Low IQ individual” who lacks understanding of both the issues at hand and Trump’s own achievements during his presidency. He highlighted his administration’s accomplishments, including eliminating Iran’s nuclear capabilities, addressing record-high inflation, and enforcing strict border control measures. “But this dope, Charlamagne, would vote for Sleepy Joe or Kamala?” Trump questioned, emphasizing the economic turnaround he attributes to his policies.
Charlamagne’s comments regarding the Epstein fallout suggested that the scandal could energize traditional conservatives within the GOP. He stated, “I think that traditional conservatives are going to take the Republican Party back,” adding that the Epstein situation has mobilized the party’s base. According to Charlamagne, this presents a unique opportunity for traditional conservatives to reclaim influence without alienating the MAGA supporters.
The Trump administration faced scrutiny from its own supporters last month when the U.S. Department of Justice concluded that the late Jeffrey Epstein did not possess an incriminating client list related to his sex trafficking operation. The department’s assessment of Epstein’s 2019 death as a suicide also disappointed many conservatives who had speculated about foul play.
Trump, who had previously distanced himself from Epstein, reiterated that he expelled the financier from his Mar-a-Lago golf club in the early 2000s, claiming Epstein attempted to recruit his employees. This includes the now-deceased Virginia Giuffre, who tragically took her own life in April 2023. In response to the backlash from his supporters over the Epstein revelations, Trump has instructed his officials to release all relevant Epstein files, with the condition that no one is harmed in the process. Trump has raised doubts about the authenticity of these files, alleging they were manipulated by political adversaries, including former FBI Director James Comey.
During the interview with Lara Trump, Charlamagne also mentioned potential future candidates for the GOP, singling out former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley as someone he could support if she were to run again. He even speculated about a possible 2028 presidential ticket featuring comedian Jon Stewart alongside late-night host Stephen Colbert, whose show is set to conclude in May 2026.
The exchange highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party as it grapples with its identity and the role of traditional conservatism in a landscape increasingly dominated by the MAGA movement. As the party navigates these challenges, the impact of the Epstein scandal on its future remains uncertain.
