Michael Jordan, one of basketball’s greatest legends, is famously known for two things: his incredible skills on the court and his strong desire to keep his private life exactly that—private. So, when rumors started circulating that Jordan was endorsing Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election, it wasn’t long before his team stepped in to clear things up.
In a statement to DailyMail.com, Jordan’s representatives made it clear: “There is absolutely no truth to the claim that Michael Jordan has made an endorsement in the presidential election.” For a man who rarely makes his political opinions public, this rumor seemed out of character to anyone who knows even a little bit about him.
Athletes like LeBron James have never been shy about their political stances. LeBron, for example, openly backed Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, other players, like NFL star Nick Bosa, showed support for Trump by sporting a “Make America Great Again” hat. But Michael Jordan? He’s always preferred to avoid the political limelight. His choice not to endorse a candidate isn’t surprising, but in today’s heated political atmosphere, that silence seemed suspicious to some.
Back in 1990, Michael Jordan also stayed neutral during a big Senate race in North Carolina. Harvey Gantt, an African American Democrat, was running against Republican Jesse Helms, who was well-known for his segregationist views. Even with this background, Jordan chose not to support Gantt. He famously explained his decision by saying, “Republicans buy sneakers, too.”
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Years later, on the hit documentary The Last Dance, Jordan explained that comment. He clarified, “I don’t think that statement needs to be corrected because I said it in jest on a bus with Horace Grant and Scottie Pippen.” He added, “I wasn’t a politician when I was playing my sport… Was that selfish? Probably. But that was my energy. That’s where my energy was.”
Back in 2018, Jordan actually showed support for LeBron James during a public clash with Trump. Trump had tweeted, “I like Mike!” as a way to insult LeBron, but Jordan didn’t stay silent. Instead, he made it clear that he backed LeBron. Jordan’s choice to stay neutral in politics has often sparked debate, especially as more athletes have started speaking out on social issues. But his silence doesn’t mean he’s a Trump fan—he’s simply someone who prefers to keep his focus on his own path.
So, while Jordan might not be shouting about his vote, he’s definitely not backing Trump. Could this just be another rumor trying to pull him into politics? It seems so. MJ stays out of the chaos, holding onto his style—quiet, focused, and always in control of his own image.
Do some people need to pick a side to make a difference? Maybe not. For Jordan, his legacy on the court says it all, and he’d rather let his actions, not public endorsements, speak for him. Wondering who he’ll vote for? Well, you’ll just have to keep guessing.
Featured image via Screengrab
