The passing of activist, icon and boxing legend Muhammad Ali has been devastating on fans the world over. The titan of a man who earned three championships, electrified crowds and galvanized people of color with his unwavering confidence, also became one of the most prominent American Muslims.
Last December, President Obama made a small reference to Ali and other famous American Muslim athletes during a speech about ISIS and national security, which prompted the presumptive Republican presidential nominee to question who Obama was speaking about.
Obama said in his speech that Muslims are our sports heroes. What sport is he talking about, and who? Is Obama profiling?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 7, 2015
Twitter quickly corrected the 69-year-old by reminding him of Ali, Kareem-Abdul Jabar and Shaquille O’Neal.
Since Ali’s passing, Trump–who’s been photographed with the champ on several occasions–took to Twitter to sing the 74 year old’s praises.
Muhammad Ali is dead at 74! A truly great champion and a wonderful guy. He will be missed by all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2016
Many online raised an eyebrow when Trump Tweeted about the boxing legend’s death, due to his proposed ban on Muslims entering the country.
@afallon02 @realDonaldTrump When a hater of Muslims panders upon the death of a great Muslim, yes, I’m going to be there calling bullshit.
— Chris Sacca (@sacca) June 4, 2016
As I mourn #MuhammadAli ‘s death & reflect on his legacy…this man angers me more & more#Trump#TheGreatest pic.twitter.com/GV3hed89fX
— Mariam Veiszadeh (@MariamVeiszadeh) June 4, 2016
Some say Trump was being respectful of the icon’s death, while others think Trump was being disrespectful and a hypocrite. What say you?