US President Donald Trump called LeBron James “maybe a racist” and chose Michael Jordan as basketball’s greatest player during a White House press conference in Washington on Friday, July 24.
Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy raised James’ announced move to the Philadelphia 76ers before asking Trump to choose between the two NBA stars.
Trump described Jordan as a friend and said they played golf together. He then questioned whether James disliked him or held racist views.
Trump: "Maybe LeBron is 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." pic.twitter.com/57WNqHWSHH
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 24, 2026“I only like people that like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way,” Trump said, according to a Reuters-syndicated report.
James has publicly opposed Trump during the president’s political career. The NBA star endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016, Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024.
James also criticised Trump in 2017 after the president withdrew the Golden State Warriors’ invitation to visit the White House. Trump acted after Warriors star Stephen Curry said he would decline the invitation.
Read: Miami Heat Deny LeBron James Livestream Confirms Return
Jordan, 63, won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and received five regular-season Most Valuable Player awards.
James, 41, has won four NBA championships and four MVP awards. He has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers and holds the NBA records for career points and games played.
