WASHINGTON: After Donald Trump sniped back at LeBron James’ suggestion that he fuels American racial divides, support has flooded in for the NBA great—including from the US president’s own wife, Melania, reports AFP.

In an interview on Tuesday—also broadcast late Friday—Los Angeles Lakers player and philanthropist James told CNN he believed Trump “is kind of trying to divide us.”

“He’s kind of used sport to... divide us and that’s something I can’t relate to, because I know that sport was the first time I ever was around someone white. You know?” said James, who on Monday opened an elementary school for at-risk youth in his native Akron, Ohio.

For the rest of the week, Trump was uncharacteristically silent—until Friday night, when he finally shot back.

“Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, (CNN presenter) Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do,” the president tweeted.

His comment sparked huge reaction from James’ supporters—but the most surprising came from First Lady Melania Trump, whose communications director issued a statement that appeared to break ranks with the president.

Stephanie Grisham was quoted by CNN as saying James appeared to be “working to do good things on behalf of our next generation.” “Just as she always has, the First Lady encourages everyone to have an open dialogue about issues facing children today,” she said.

Grisham added the first lady “would be open to visiting” James’ new school.