‘Maybe he’s a racist’: Trump takes swipe at LeBron James, declares Michael Jordan the NBA GOAT
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump revived his long-running war of words with LeBron James on Friday, July 24, after he was asked to settle one of basketball's biggest debates following news that the NBA legend had signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Instead of simply picking between James and Michael Jordan, the 80-year-old used the moment to take a fresh jab at the four-time NBA champion while praising Jordan as the greatest player in league history.
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
Trump praises Michael Jordan while taking fresh shot at LeBron James
Sports fans, athletes and celebrities were celebrating after reports emerged that LeBron James would be joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
Soon after the news broke, Trump was asked where he stood in the never-ending debate over whether James or Jordan deserves to be called the greatest player in NBA history.
The president made it clear that his choice was Jordan.
"Well, Michael Jordan’s a guy that’s a friend of mine," Trump said. "Play golf with him. He’s a really good guy."
He then turned his attention to James, reviving his criticism of the NBA superstar.
"And I think LeBron is maybe he’s a racist, but maybe he doesn’t like Trump. I don’t know. But I only like people that like me. So I would say Michael Jordan all the way," Trump added.
Trump and LeBron James have clashed for years
Trump's latest comments add another chapter to his years-long public feud with James.
One of their most memorable exchanges came after the Republican leader extended an invitation to championship-winning sports teams to visit the White House in 2017. James made it clear he had no interest in attending.
"U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!" James wrote at the time.
The disagreement did not end there. A year later, in 2018, Trump criticized James after the NBA star accused him of being divisive during an interview with journalist Don Lemon.
"Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!”
James also endorsed Democrats Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton when they ran against Trump in the past three presidential elections.
