‘Maybe he’s a racist,’ Trump says of NBA star LeBron James amid ongoing feud
byJESSICA A. BOTELHO | The National News Desk
Fri, July 24, 2026 at 6:10 PM
UpdatedFri, July 24, 2026 at 6:59 PM
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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 24: U.S. President Donald Trump makes an announcement on American nuclear innovation in the Oval Office at the White House on July 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. Trump is signing multiple executive orders targeting the nuclear energy sector and easing rules for new reactors and nuclear fuel supply chains. (Photo by Eric Lee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump suggested that NBA superstar LeBron Jamesmight be “a racist” while explaining why he considers basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan the greatest player of all time
Trump made the remarks during an unrelated news conference after being asked to weigh in on the long-running debate over whether Jordan or James is the NBA’s greatest player
“Michael Jordan’s a guy that’s a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He’s a really good guy. And I think LeBron is — maybe he’s a racist, but maybe he doesn’t like Trump. I don’t know,” Trump said.
“But I only like people that like me. So, I would say Michael Jordan all the way,” Trump added.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 05: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers works against Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 05, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
The comments marked the latest chapter in the yearslong public feud between Trump and James, who has been an outspoken critic of the president. James has frequently spoken out on issues including racial justice, voting rights and education, and endorsed Democratic candidates in recent election cycles
Trump and James have traded barbs dating back to Trump’s first term in office. Their disagreements have included criticism over athletes’ political activism and comments surrounding race and social justice
In 2018, Sports Illustratedreported that James said Trump doesn’t “give a f***” about the American people
“It’s not even a surprise when he says something,” James said at the time, according to the report. “It’s, like, laughable. It’s laughable, and it’s scary.”
Earlier on Friday, James announced that he will sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, saying the move is the “last decision” of his NBA career after seriously considering retirement following last season. He said he chose Philadelphia because he still wants “to compete, to win” and believes he can help the 76ers contend for another championship
