US president backs Michael Jordan in comparison with James, citing personal friendship
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump criticized basketball star LeBron James during a White House press conference on Friday, suggesting the NBA player might be a racist while responding to a question about the debate over the greatest basketball player of all time.
Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked Trump to choose between Michael Jordan and James after mentioning reports that James planned to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Trump said he preferred Jordan, citing his personal relationship with the former Chicago Bulls star.
“Michael Jordan is a guy that’s a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He’s a really good guy,” Trump said.
Trump added that James “maybe” was a racist but did not provide specific evidence for the claim.
“Maybe he’s 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,” he said.
What Is the Background of Trump’s Comments?
James has previously endorsed Democratic presidential candidates, including Hillary Clinton in 2016, Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024.
The basketball star has also criticized Trump in the past, including after Trump withdrew an invitation for the Golden State Warriors to visit the White House in 2017 following comments from player Stephen Curry that he would not attend.
How Do Jordan and James Compare?
Jordan, 63, won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s and was named NBA Most Valuable Player five times.
James, 41, has won four NBA championships and has been named MVP four times during his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.
James is also the NBA’s all-time leader in points scored and games played.