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3h ago

Trump Says LeBron James Is ‘Maybe a Racist’ and Picks Michael Jordan as GOAT

The Oval Office remark revived a decade-long public feud and shifted attention away from James’s move to the Philadelphia 76ers.

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 told reporters on Friday that LeBron James is “maybe a racist” when asked to weigh in on the LeBron-versus-Michael Jordan GOAT debate.
  • The comment came the same day James confirmed he will sign a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers.
  • Trump framed his choice around a personal tie to Jordan, saying he plays golf with Jordan and adding “I only like people that like me,” rather than comparing on-court records.
  • At the time of multiple reports, neither LeBron nor his representatives had issued a public response to the president’s remark.
  • Coverage split along partisan lines, with conservative outlets highlighting Trump’s Jordan endorsement and critical outlets stressing the long-running political feud between the president and James and the shift from sports news to a political confrontation.