Trump calls LeBron James 'maybe a racist' in latest clash

The president made the remark when asked to weigh in on the long-running debate over whether James or Michael Jordan is the NBA's greatest player.

By iFANN Editorial DeskEdited by Oliver Andrejew, Sports EditorJul 26Updated Jul 27, 2026, 6:14 AM UTC

FITN First In Nation Republican Leadership Summit, Nashua, New Hampshire Crowne Plaza Nashua Address: 2 Somerset Pkwy, Nashua, NH 03063 Every four years, the political world descends upon New Hampshire to take part in the “First-in-the-Nation” Presidential Primary. On April 17th and 18th that excitement will again percolate in the Granite State for the #FITN Republican Leadership Conference. Donald John Trump Sr. (born June 14, 1946) is an American business magnate, investor, television personality and author. He is the chairman and president of The Trump Organization and the founder of Trump Entertainment Resorts. Trump's extravagant lifestyle, outspoken manner, and role on the NBC reality show The Apprentice have made him a well-known celebrity who was No. 17 on the 2011 Forbes Celebrity 100 list. Trump is the son of Fred Trump, a wealthy New York City real-estate developer. He worked for his father's firm, Elizabeth Trump & Son, while attending the Wharton School of the University o · Michael Vadon / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

The comment came in response to a question about whether James, who had just announced his move to the Philadelphia 76ers, was the greatest basketball player of all time. Trump instead praised Michael Jordan, a longtime friend. "Michael Jordan is a guy that's a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He's a really good guy," Trump said, according to multiple reports.

He then added, "I think LeBron is — 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." The exchange is the latest in a yearslong public feud between Trump and James, who has been an outspoken critic of the president on social and political issues. James has endorsed Democratic candidates in recent elections, including Hillary Clinton in 2016, Joe Biden in 2020, and Kamala Harris in 2024.

In 2017, James called Trump "a bum" on social media after the president rescinded a White House invitation to the Golden State Warriors. Trump has previously disparaged James. James, for his part, said in 2018 that Trump doesn't "give a f***" about the American people, according to Sports Illustrated.

James, 41, announced earlier Friday that he would return for a record 24th NBA season with the 76ers, saying in a social media post, "I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team." He has not responded to Trump's latest comment. The question was posed by Fox News reporter Peter Doocy, according to The Washington Post.

President Donald Trump suggested that NBA star LeBron James might be a racist during a White House news conference on Friday, July 24, 2026.

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The comment came in response to a question about whether James, who had just announced his move to the Philadelphia 76ers, was the greatest basketball player of all time.
confirmed
Trump instead praised Michael Jordan, a longtime friend.
confirmed
"Michael Jordan is a guy that's a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He's a really good guy," Trump said, according to multiple reports.
confirmed
He then added, "I think LeBron is — 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."
confirmed
The exchange is the latest in a yearslong public feud between Trump and James, who has been an outspoken critic of the president on social and political issues.
confirmed
James has endorsed Democratic candidates in recent elections, including Hillary Clinton in 2016, Joe Biden in 2020, and Kamala Harris in 2024.
confirmed
In 2017, James called Trump "a bum" on social media after the president rescinded a White House invitation to the Golden State Warriors.
confirmed
Trump has previously disparaged James.
confirmed
James, for his part, said in 2018 that Trump doesn't "give a f***" about the American people, according to Sports Illustrated.
confirmed
James, 41, announced earlier Friday that he would return for a record 24th NBA season with the 76ers, saying in a social media post, "I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team."
confirmed
He has not responded to Trump's latest comment.
confirmed
The question was posed by Fox News reporter Peter Doocy, according to The Washington Post.
confirmed
President Donald Trump suggested that NBA star LeBron James might be a racist during a White House news conference on Friday, July 24, 2026.
confirmed