Donald Trump reignited headlines with an unexpected remark about LeBron James. The president made the comment while answering a sports question at the White House. What began as a debate over basketball greatness quickly shifted into politics, with Trump questioning James’ views before backing Michael Jordan as his pick.
Donald Trump makes bizarre comment about LeBron James
A routine exchange during Friday’s White House press conference took an unusual turn when Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked Donald Trump to settle the long-running Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James debate. After mentioning reports that James plans to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, Doocy asked which NBA icon Trump considered the greatest.
Rather than focusing only on basketball, Trump tied his answer to his relationship with both players. Calling Jordan “a friend” and saying the two have played golf together, Trump praised the NBA legend before adding that James was “maybe… a racist.” He added that perhaps James simply “doesn’t like Trump.” He then joked, “I only like people that like me,” before declaring, “Michael Jordan all the way” (Via The Guardian).
James has stayed silent following Trump’s latest remarks. That said, the two have clashed in the political arena for years. The Lakers star publicly backed Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election, endorsed Joe Biden four years later, and threw his support behind Kamala Harris in 2024. He also took aim at Trump in 2017 after the president rescinded the Golden State Warriors’ White House invitation amid Stephen Curry’s decision not to attend.
At 41, James continues to add to an already legendary résumé. With four NBA titles under his belt, he’s now gearing up for what is expected to be his 24th season in the league, extending one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen.
The same press conference also drifted into other sporting controversies. Trump described the two-shot penalty handed to golfer Bryson DeChambeau during this month’s Open as “a tough call.” He argued that the ruling was harsh after officials reviewed footage of the incident.
