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Trump Calls Jordan NBA’s Greatest, Slams LeBron’s 76ers Deal

7/25/2026

25 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump told reporters in Oval Office, after Peter Doocy raised the GOAT debate, that Michael Jordan is greatest NBA player, preferring him over LeBron James who signed with the 76ers on July 24, 2026.
He added Jordan is a golf friend and implied James “maybe a racist” who doesn’t like him.
LeBron James, 41, signed a two-year, $8 million deal extending his career to a 24th season, amid a long-standing feud.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 the NBA-filled U.S. “Dream Team” won Olympic gold in Barcelona, sparking worldwide basketball growth and leading to Hall of Fame inductions in 2009, 2010 and 2017. Presidential nods to athletes began earlier, exemplified by Ronald Reagan’s 1985 praise of Pete Rose. Donald Trump’s 2026 Oval Office comment revives that tradition as LeBron James’ $8 million, two-year deal draws fresh scrutiny of sport-politics ties.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump told reporters in Oval Office, after Peter Doocy raised the GOAT debate, that Michael Jordan is greatest NBA player, preferring him over LeBron James who signed with the 76ers on July 24, 2026.
He added Jordan is a golf friend and implied James “maybe a racist” who doesn’t like him.
LeBron James, 41, signed a two-year, $8 million deal extending his career to a 24th season, amid a long-standing feud.

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