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4h ago

Trump Calls LeBron James 'Maybe a Racist' After 76ers Move

The remark revives a decade-long feud and highlights how high-profile athletes' politics have become a source of public political argument.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 24: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an announcement on American nuclear innovation in the Oval Office at the White House on July 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. Trump is signing multiple executive orders targeting the nuclear energy sector and easing rules for new reactors and nuclear fuel supply chains. (Photo by Eric Lee/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 24: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an announcement on American nuclear innovation in the Oval Office at the White House on July 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. Trump is signing multiple executive orders targeting the nuclear energy sector and easing rules for new reactors and nuclear fuel supply chains. (Photo by Eric Lee/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) goes up against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) and guard Amen Thompson (1) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to the media during a press conference after Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

Overview

  • President Donald Trump said he prefers Michael Jordan and that LeBron James is "maybe a racist" during a White House press conference when asked to weigh in on the Jordan–LeBron GOAT debate.
  • The exchange followed LeBron’s confirmed decision to sign a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, a move that prompted the question from Fox News reporter Peter Doocy.
  • LeBron or his representatives had not issued a substantive public response to Trump’s comment as of the latest reports.
  • The comment reopened a long-running public feud that dates to 2017 and has involved LeBron’s repeated criticism of Trump, LeBron’s endorsements of Democratic candidates, and Trump’s public praise of Jordan.
  • News outlets across the political spectrum covered the episode and it is likely to keep drawing attention to the intersection of sports, race and partisan politics and to shape public conversation around athlete activism.