President Donald Trump expressed his preference for Michael Jordan over LeBron James when asked about the NBA's greatest player during a press conference at the White House. Trump stated, "Michael Jordan is 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, but I only like people that like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way."
Trump's remarks come amid a history of mutual accusations of racism between him and James. In 2021, Trump criticized James after the player commented on a police shooting in Columbus, Ohio, stating, "LeBron James should focus on basketball rather than presiding over the destruction of the NBA, which has just recorded the lowest television ratings, by far, in the long and distinguished history of the League."
James had previously referred to Trump as a "bum" during a public dispute involving NBA players. Recently, James announced he would be joining the Philadelphia 76ers after signing a two-year, $8 million contract.