Michael Jordan's rep says NBA icon's viral post endorsing Donald Trump holds 'absolutely no truth'

WASHINGTON, DC: Michael Jordan has responded to rumors suggesting he endorsed Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

The 61-year-old NBA legend has firmly denied the claims, which went viral on social media on Sunday, November 3, ahead of the November 5 elections.

Michael Jordan claims his Donald Trump endorsement is fake

In a statement to media outlets, Michael Jordan's representatives clarified that he has not publicly backed either candidate.

"There is absolutely no truth to the claim that Michael Jordan has made an endorsement in the presidential election," the representative told Independent.

The fake endorsement claims arose soon after NBA star LeBron James publicly supported Vice President Kamala Harris.

“What are we even talking about here?? When I think about my kids and my family and how they will grow up, the choice is clear to me. VOTE KAMALA HARRIS!!!." James wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

He also included a video showing Trump’s controversial statements, with the phrase: “Hate takes us back.”

Michael Jordan explains his approach to political involvement

Michael Jordan’s reputation for neutrality in politics is well known, during a 1990 Senate race in North Carolina despite pressure to support Democrat Harvey Gantt against Republican Jesse Helms, Jordan declined, reportedly stating, "Republicans buy sneakers, too," Daily Mail reported.

Jordan later clarified the context of his infamous comment, which many interpreted as a reluctance to engage in political activism.

In a 2020 appearance on 'The Last Dance', he explained, “I don’t think that statement needs to be corrected because I said it in jest on a bus with Horace Grant and Scottie Pippen.”

Jordan revealed he chose not to publicly endorse Gantt, but privately contributed to his campaign after discussing it with his mother.

"My mother asked to do a PSA for Harvey Gantt, and I said, ‘Look, Mom, I’m not speaking out of pocket about someone that I don’t know. But I will send a contribution to support him,’” he said as noted by the publication. 

Jordan has spoken admiringly of athletes like Muhammad Ali, who became vocal activists but has also recognized his own approach.

"I do commend Muhammad Ali for standing up for what he believed in. But I never thought of myself as an activist. I thought of myself as a basketball player," he said, adding, “I wasn’t a politician when I was playing my sport.”

High-profile endorsements from entertainment industry ahead of Election Day

Celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Bryan Cranston of 'Breaking Bad', Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen have publicly endorsed Kamala Harris.

Trump’s support also includes figures like Mel Gibson, Zachary Levi, Jake Paul, and Dennis Quaid.

Other stars have voiced their choices as well. Jennifer Aniston labeled her vote for Harris as a “vote for sanity and human decency,” while Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Republican California governor, also backed Harris, surprising some of his fans.

Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio, addressing his concerns on climate change, said he would vote for Harris because Trump “continues to deny the facts” around climate issues.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Anne Hathaway, and Martha Stewart are among those who have announced their support for Harris as well.