Trump calls LeBron James racist and favours Michael Jordan
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Donald Trump said LeBron James was “maybe a racist” during a White House press conference when asked to choose between James and Michael Jordan. He said he preferred Jordan, citing their friendship and adding that he only likes people who like him, bringing a personal political dispute into the long-running debate over basketball’s greatest player.
The remarks followed James’s confirmation that he had joined the Philadelphia 76ers, reportedly on a two-year deal worth $8 million, seeking another championship after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. James has previously endorsed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, including Harris’s 2024 campaign, while Jordan’s representatives have denied reports that he endorsed Trump in the last election.
- Trump called LeBron James “maybe a racist” and backed Michael Jordan.
- James has joined the 76ers on a reported two-year, $8 million deal.
- Jordan’s team denied he endorsed Trump.
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LeBron James and Michael Jordan are two of the best-known basketball players in US history. James has played in the NBA since 2003 and has often been compared with Jordan, whose career with the Chicago Bulls made him a global sports figure in the 1980s and 1990s.
Donald Trump has long mixed sport and politics in public comments. James has supported Democratic candidates, including Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, while Jordan has generally kept his political views private; their different public profiles can make sporting comparisons politically charged.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters may argue that Trump was answering a direct, light-hearted comparison question and openly explaining that personal familiarity shapes his preference, rather than presenting a considered assessment of either player’s sporting record. They may also contend that public figures who make forceful political endorsements inevitably enter reciprocal political debate, and that Trump is entitled to respond sharply to criticism from James.
The case against
Critics may argue that describing James as “maybe a racist” without citing evidence is an irresponsible personal accusation, especially from a president speaking at a White House press conference. They may say sporting preferences and political disagreement should not be used to question an athlete’s character, and that such rhetoric risks deepening political and racial polarisation around sport.
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Originally published by Deadline as “Donald Trump Says LeBron James Is “Maybe A Racist” After 76ers Move & Prefers Michael Jordan: “I Only Like People Who Like Me””.