President Donald Trump has taken more than a few jabs from celebrities since he entered politics more than a decade ago.
But he’s also not afraid to fight fire with fire, as he recently demonstrated when a reporter asked for his preference between NBA legends Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
As The Hill reported:
“Well, Michael Jordan’s a guy that’s a friend of mine. I golf with him. He’s a really good guy,” Trump said when asked if prefers James or Jordan.
ADVERTISEMENT“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,” he continued.
Trump’s comments came after the surprise news of James signing a two-year, $8 million deal to join the Philadelphia 76ers. James played with the Los Angeles Lakers last year.
The president’s remarks drew some attention on social media:
Leflop is a bad example for all of us . When he went to the Championship Celebration in Cleveland he dropped several F-BOMBS in front of thousands of children like he was setting an example. Sad individual…money does not equate to success and he's the perfect example.
— NoW (@Whot33) July 24, 2026
LeBron is a selfish America hating POS. He forced the Lakers to draft his kid…who is NOT Good. LeBron celebrated the BLM violence and city burning. LeBron thought George Floyd was a good person and a big loss.
LeBron is a great player but just wish he was a better person.
— B A (@HawkNationXX) July 24, 2026
Here’s proof. Imagine if a White athlete had said this about black people. pic.twitter.com/LB1JihdpHa
— TMK (@themagaking) July 24, 2026
KBOI added these details:
Trump and James have traded barbs dating back to Trump’s first term in office. Their disagreements have included criticism over athletes’ political activism and comments surrounding race and social justice.
In 2018, Sports Illustrated reported that James said Trump doesn’t “give a f***” about the American people.
ADVERTISEMENT“It’s not even a surprise when he says something,” James said at the time, according to the report. “It’s, like, laughable. It’s laughable, and it’s scary.”
Earlier on Friday, James announced that he will sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, saying the move is the “last decision” of his NBA career after seriously considering retirement following last season. He said he chose Philadelphia because he still wants “to compete, to win” and believes he can help the 76ers contend for another championship.
And here’s full coverage of Trump’s Oval Office remarks:
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