WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump responded to LeBron James' announcement that he would sign with the Philadelphia 76ers on July 24, 2026, by endorsing Michael Jordan and making personal remarks about James during a White House press conference. Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked President Trump to choose between LeBron James and Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time during the event.

Trump used the question to express his preference for Jordan, citing a personal friendship and shared golf games. "Michael Jordan is a guy that's a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He's a really good guy," Trump said.

Trump has played golf with Michael Jordan on multiple occasions, including a notable round in 2017, as reported by Golf Digest. The President then directed comments at James, suggesting personal animus influenced the player's public standing. "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," Trump said.

The White House is the official residence and office of the President of the United States, and has been the site of multiple controversial public statements by Trump, including his remarks about LeBron James.

These comments aligned with his history of making personal and divisive comments about athletes and public figures. Trump has made repeated public statements about NBA players, most notably criticizing LeBron James and supporting Michael Jordan in the 'GOAT' debate, which has been a recurring theme in his public appearances. The exchange reignited a long-standing public feud between the two men. Trump is an American businessman and politician who has served as President of the United States since 2025, having previously held the office from 2017 to 2021.

James, an American basketball player born in 1984, made his own announcement on the same day. He stated that his move was driven by competitive goals rather than financial gain. This is my last decision. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? James said.

He added that he believed he could help the franchise achieve its highest goal. "I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team," James said.

James is 41 years old and will turn 42 on December 30, 2026. He will play his 24th NBA season after spending eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. During his time in Los Angeles, he won one NBA championship.

Throughout his career, James has won four NBA championships and four NBA Most Valuable Player awards. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and has averaged 26.8 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game, making him one of the most well-rounded players in NBA history.

James has won more All-Star selections (22) than any other player in NBA history, according to official NBA records. He is expected to sign a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. James initially expressed surprise at his own return to the court.

"I thought I was done when the season ended," he said. His political history includes supporting Democratic candidates in every U.S. presidential election since 2016, including Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris. In 2017, James publicly criticized Trump, including calling him a 'bum' after the president suggested the Golden State Warriors visit the White House.

Jordan, by comparison, won six NBA championships, all with the Chicago Bulls. He also won five NBA Most Valuable Player awards. Jordan has a career average of 30.1 points per game, the highest in NBA history.

Reactions to Trump's comments varied among public figures. Sports analyst Jemele Hill responded to the President's remarks on social media. "What a weirdo," Hill said.

The remarks by President Trump connect a major sports transaction to ongoing political and personal tensions between the President and one of the most prominent athletes in American history. James' move to the Philadelphia 76ers represents a significant shift in the NBA landscape, as he leaves the team where he spent the last eight years to pursue another title at age 41. The President's intervention in the basketball debate shows the intersection of sports, celebrity, and politics that has characterized much of Trump's public commentary on athletes.

The financial terms of James' new contract, a two-year deal worth $8 million, underscore his stated focus on competition over compensation. This contrasts with the typical market value for a player of his statistical caliber and historical significance. The public nature of the President's comments, delivered from the White House press briefing room, ensures that the rivalry between the two men remains a topic of national discussion beyond the sports world.