Trump calls LeBron James “a racist” during White House exchange
At a White House press conference on Friday, US president Donald Trump said LeBron James might be "a racist" when asked to compare the careers of Michael Jordan and James. The remark followed a question from Fox News reporter Peter Doocy, who noted that James intends to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers and asked whether Jordan or James is the "best ever".
The exchange unfolded during routine questioning in the White House briefing room. Peter Doocy of Fox News raised the NBA conversation by mentioning James's reported intention to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers and then put the longstanding Jordan-versus-James debate to the president. Donald Trump responded to that prompt with the comment that James might be "a racist". Observers have noted James has previously backed three candidates who ran against Trump.
Doocy framed his question by referring to James's next move in the NBA and by invoking the sport's GOAT debate. He told the president that James intends to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers and then asked whether Michael Jordan or LeBron James is the "best ever". That line of questioning set up the brief back-and-forth that followed.
When invited to weigh in on the two players' careers, Trump answered by saying James might be "a racist". The remark was made directly in response to Doocy's request that the president choose between Jordan and James as the "best ever". The comment was attributed to Donald Trump during the Friday White House press conference.
LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the leading figures in modern basketball, was referenced in the context of both his playing future and his political positions. The questioner pointed to James's reported intention to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers; the president's reply touched on James's political activity, noting that James backed three candidates who ran against Trump. Those elements — team movement and past political endorsements — were central to the exchange.
The brief interaction left the career comparison unresolved at the podium, with the president's response focusing on a personal characterization rather than a direct appraisal of on-court achievements. The comments occurred amid the renewed public conversation about James's next team and his prior political interventions.
The episode will remain part of the public record from Friday's White House press conference, linking a high-profile sports debate — Jordan versus James as the "best ever" — with remarks about James's political stances and future in the NBA.