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.

Image:James said he would ‘never sit across from’ Donald Trump

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.

Last year, Mr Trump rescinded an invitation for NBA champions Golden State Warriors to visit the White House after team captain Stephen Curry questioned the billionaire’s presidency.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!”

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!”

Source:news.sky.com