Key facts
- Donald Trump suggested LeBron James might be a racist.
- Trump stated he prefers Michael Jordan, whom he considers a friend.
- Trump indicated he only likes people who like him.
- LeBron James has endorsed candidates who ran against Trump.
During a White House press conference, President Donald Trump responded to a question comparing the basketball careers of Michael Jordan and LeBron James by suggesting James might be a racist. Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked Trump whether Jordan or James was the "best ever," noting James's intention to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Trump stated that Michael Jordan is a friend with whom he plays golf and described him as a "really good guy." He then added, "I think LeBron is – maybe he’s a racist, but maybe he doesn’t like Trump. I don’t know. I only like people that like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way."
The report notes that James has endorsed candidates who ran against Trump in the past three presidential elections: Hillary Clinton in 2016, Joe Biden in 2020, and Kamala Harris in 2024. James had also previously criticized Trump following the withdrawal of the Warriors’ invitation to the White House in 2017 after Stephen Curry indicated he would decline the visit.
Michael Jordan, 63, won six NBA titles and five MVP awards with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. LeBron James, 41, has four NBA championship rings and four MVP awards, and is the NBA’s all-time leader in points and games played.