Trump's LeBron Remarks
Trump Links LeBron James's 76ers Move to Jordan Debate, Suggests Racism
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Key Points
1
In 2018, Trump posted that LeBron James was “interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon,” adding that James “made LeBron look smart,” and saying “I like Mike,” a remark that amplified a personal clash with James beyond policy debates (The Hill).
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In 2017, Trump attacked Stephen Curry after Curry and the Warriors declined a White House visit, posting: “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!”—a moment that has featured in coverage of Trump–James history (RawStory).
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James has publicly backed political allies in recent elections, including Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024, while Jordan’s team has denied any public endorsement of Trump, underscoring the broader political dimension around James’s public profile (Deadline).
4
Following his move to the Philadelphia 76ers, James posted that he needed time to decide if he still loves the game, reflecting a personal, career-year decision alongside ESPN reporting a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers (Deadline).
President Trump called LeBron James "a racist" during Oval Office remarks, escalating a feud that has simmered since 2017. Trump said James "doesn't like" him, and added that he only likes people who like him back, according to CP24 and The Grio.
The comments came just as James, 40, agreed to sign a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers — a deal that capped a record 24th NBA season, Gridironheroics reported.
Trump Praises Jordan, Brands LeBron a Racist
Speaking at a White House press event, Trump said he prefers Michael Jordan in the all-time greatness debate. "Jordan is a friend," Trump said, noting the two golf together. He then pivoted, suggesting James is racist simply because James has been a vocal critic of him.
Trump was quickly rebuked after the remarks. Critics pointed out that calling a Black athlete racist — with no evidence beyond personal dislike — crossed a clear line, according to The Grio. The comments drew wide attention on social media and in political circles within hours.
A Feud That Started Long Before This Week
Trump and James have clashed publicly since at least 2017. That year, Trump posted about Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry after Curry skipped a White House visit. James fired back at Trump on Twitter, calling him a "bum," according to RawStory.
In 2018, Trump mocked James on social media, writing that James was "interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon." Trump added, "I like Mike" — a clear dig at James in the Jordan-versus-LeBron debate, The Hill reported. The post turned a sports argument into a personal political clash.
LeBron's Political Voice Has Made Him a Target
James has never stayed quiet on politics. He endorsed Joe Biden in 2020 and backed Kamala Harris in 2024. Jordan, by contrast, has stayed mostly out of politics — his team has denied any public endorsement of Trump, according to Deadline.
That contrast sits at the heart of Trump's remarks. James uses his platform to push back on Trump's approach to race and policing. Trump, in turn, has repeatedly singled James out — more than almost any other athlete — for public criticism, CTV News reported.
James Joins the 76ers After Record 24th Season
James announced the 76ers move after a record-breaking 24th NBA season. He posted that he needed time to decide if he still loves the game, hinting the decision was not easy. ESPN reported the deal is worth $8 million over two years, according to Deadline.
The 76ers signing gives James a new chapter — and, it turns out, a new political flashpoint. Trump pulled the contract news directly into his Oval Office remarks, using it as a springboard to revive their long-running dispute, Crossroads Today reported.
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