It was just last week when Donald Trump was able to negotiate the release of three UCLA college basketball players who were arrested for shoplifting in China. After push back from the high-profiled father of one of the players, the president decided to speak out, and doubled down during a follow-up rant on social media.
Trump vs Ball 2
It's no secret that Donald Trump has a habit of saying what's on his mind regardless of the potential ramifications of his words. Due to Trump's controversial nature, it's become common-place for the president to make enemies, especially on Twitter and in the media.
The latest war of words Trump has decided to engage in is with LaVar Ball, whose son, LiAngelo, was arrested along with two teammates for shoplifting during a stop in China earlier this month. At the time, Trump was in China as part of his 12-day trip through Asia, and was able to put a good word in with President Xi, and as a result, the players were set free. While the players, Ball, Cody Riley, and Jalen Hill, all thanked the president during a press conference upon their return, LaVar Ball was not impressed. When asked about Trump helping his son out, Ball replied, "Who?" On Sunday afternoon, Trump lashed out on social media in attacking Ball, saying that he wished he would've left the kids in a jail cell back in China.
As seen once again on his Twitter feed on November 19, Trump is back on the attack.
Shoplifting is a very big deal in China, as it should be (5-10 years in jail), but not to father LaVar. Should have gotten his son out during my next trip to China instead. China told them why they were released. Very ungrateful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2017
In a Sunday night post on Twitter, Donald Trump escalated his feud with LaVar Ball.
"Shoplifting is a very big deal in China, as it should be (5-10 years in jail), but not to father LaVar," Trump tweeted. "Should have gotten his son out during my next trip to China instead," Trump continued.
Donald Trump takes the bait, and LaVar Ball's Big Baller Brand wins again https://t.co/1Xyagwt5nP
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) November 19, 2017
Not stopping there, Donald Trump concluded with his post by continuing to bash LaVar Ball.
"China told them why they were released," he posted, before adding, "Very ungrateful!"
Twitter reacts
Within minutes of Donald Trump's latest Twitter attack, social media critics fired back. "OMG! Would someone give this dude in the White House his meds? This is crazy. And embarrassing. And worse than any third grader. How could anyone vote for you?" one tweet read.
OMG! Would someone give this dude in the White House his meds? This is crazy. And embarrassing. And worse than any third grader. How could anyone vote for you?
— V Christopher Murray (@VictoriaECM) November 19, 2017
Wow.. still going with this huh? Wonder what they do to you for Treason in China? Adultery? Money Laundering? Hmmm.. let’s visit this. #idiotfakepresident
— 🇺🇸❄️ Tracy ❄️🇺🇸 (@TPapsdorf) November 19, 2017
"Great use of your time Boss man....
Korea, Puerto Rico, Russia, Healthcare.. but NO!..Lets talk about this teenager & his dad," one Twitter user wrote. "You are one gigantic piece of nonsense. How did you ever become president," another tweet stated.
Omg. Are you SERIOUSLY still tweeting about this???
— Erica (@MsEricaMB) November 19, 2017
You are one gigantic piece of nonsense. How did you ever become president.
— Robbie Howell (@robbiehowell) November 19, 2017
Tax evasion is bad. Very bad.
— Blobert “If true, step aside” Taco (@blobert) November 19, 2017
"Omg. Are you SERIOUSLY still tweeting about this???" another Twitter user wondered. As the backlash continued, the opposition to Donald Trump showed no signs of slowing down anytime soon.