Full Breakdown
Trump Calls LeBron James “Racist” as the Star Signs with the Philadelphia 76ers
7/25/2026, 4:07:43 AM
Trump Labels LeBron James “Racist” Amid 76ers Signing
In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump suggested that NBA superstar LeBron James might be “racist” simply because the athlete “doesn’t like Trump.” The comment came as James announced a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, reviving a public rivalry that has spanned several years.
Background of the Trump-LeBron Feud
The tension dates back to September 2017, when James posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the White House had rescinded an invitation to the Golden State Warriors after Stephen Curry declined to attend.
In August 2018, after James criticized Trump on CNN’s Don Lemon, the former president replied on X with a disparaging remark about James’s intelligence. More recently, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked Trump to weigh in on the “LeBron vs. Michael Jordan” debate, prompting Trump’s current remarks.
Official Statements & Responses
Michael Jordan later issued a statement affirming his support for James’s community work, though he did not address the “racist” allegation. No formal response from James or the 76ers organization has been reported in the source material.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Well, Michael Jordan is a guy that's a friend of mine, playing golf with him. He's a really good guy,” — Donald Trump, president
- “LeBron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made LeBron look smart, which isn't easy to do. I like Mike!” — Donald Trump, president
- “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!” — James
Data & Statistics
- LeBron James, age 42, signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
- His 2017 tweet about Stephen Curry was the most retweeted post by any athlete that year, according to Twitter metrics cited in the source.
The exchange illustrates how political commentary can intersect with sports media narratives, reigniting a long-standing public spat between Trump and one of basketball’s most prominent figures.
