Michael Jordan and Donald Trump: A Misunderstanding of Political Stances

When it comes to public discussions on politics, former NBA superstar Michael Jordan has always maintained a low profile. Despite his limited involvement in political debates, Jordan’s contributions to charitable causes and his historical stance on political endorsements have provided some clues about his personal political leanings.

Political Involvement of Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan, a renowned professional basketball player, has been a significant supporter of the Democratic party over the years. He has donated substantial amounts of money to the party, making him a notable figure in political contributions.

Donations to Democratic Party

Though Jordan rarely speaks publicly about political issues, his financial contributions to the Democratic party indicate his support for the party. In recent times, he has also pledged $100 million to the Black Lives Matter cause, further emphasizing his alignment with progressive and Civil Rights initiatives.

Statement on Black Lives Matter: “He recently pledged 100 million to the Black Lives Matter cause. No reason to think he supports Donald Trump as he’s pledged large sums of money to the Democratic party.”

Personal Politics and Public Silence

Once, Michael Jordan faced criticism for not expressing his political opinions publicly. To counter this, he humorously remarked, “Republicans buy shoes too.” This comment could be interpreted as an indication that his support for the Democratic party extends beyond personal politics to a broader consumer base.

However, given his high-profile position, particularly in the sports industry, it is crucial for Jordan to maintain a certain degree of neutrality to avoid any potential backlash. Therefore, he keeps his political opinions, except for basketball, confidential to protect his brand and the sales of his Air Jordan line.

Misinterpretations and the Golfing Incident

There is often a misunderstanding about whether he could “beat” Donald Trump in a game of HORSE on a basketball court. Additionally, when it comes to golf, it is suggested that “Trump is a pretty good golfer,” yet there is no real evidence to support or refute this comparison. The focus should be more on the political stance and actions of both individuals rather than any personal comparisons.

Public Silence and Violation of Endorsement Contracts

Almost all endorsement contracts that Michael Jordan has signed require him to maintain a fair degree of neutrality when it comes to direct endorsements of politicians. Publicly stating support or opposition to a political figure could be a violation of these contracts.

For instance, he was able to host a fundraiser for President Obama, which was not a violation of any contractual obligations since no public statements in support of any particular candidate were made. Jordan was proactive and even approached vendors and corporations who have signed deals with him, asking for their advance permission before hosting the fundraiser.

Breaking Silence on the Issue of Peaceful Protest

If there was a need to break his silence, it happened during a time of national and political divisiveness. On September 24, 2017, Jordan issued a rare statement to the Charlotte Observer in response to President Trump’s criticism of sports figures who took a knee during the national anthem. The statement emphasized the importance of freedom of speech, nonviolent peaceful protest, and unity in the face of divisive rhetoric.

Statement Excerpt: “One of the fundamental rights this country is founded on was freedom of speech and we have a long tradition of nonviolent peaceful protest. Those who exercise the right to peacefully express themselves should not be demonized or ostracized. At a time of increasing divisiveness and hate in this country we should be looking for ways to work together and support each other and not create more division.”

Jordan directly supported Commissioner Adam Silver of the NBA, its players, and all those who wish to exercise their right to free speech, leaving it to the reader to determine if he officially supports the current president.

Conclusion

In summary, while Michael Jordan may not openly declare his political affiliations, his actions and contributions provide clear indications of his alignment with the Democratic party. However, it is essential to recognize that political stances and personal preferences in the public domain should be distinguished from professional commitments and endorsements. While Donald Trump may not be everyone's favorite politician, Michael Jordan’s support of progressive causes and his breaking the silence on the significant issue of peaceful protest during a critical time in U.S. history demonstrate his stance.

Michael Jordan like most of all the people in the world dislike Trump 99