A rising trend sees athletes engaging in political discourse, with some openly endorsing candidates during the U.S. presidential campaign. LeBron James advocates for Kamala Harris, while Nick Bosa expresses support for Donald Trump. Dana White, UFC president, has a longstanding alliance with Trump, and golfer John Daly voices his hope for Trump’s victory. Tennis player Coco Gauff, although not revealing her voting choice, admires Harris’s candidacy, highlighting the significance of representation in politics.
While many athletes prefer to keep politics separate from sports, a growing number are stepping into the political arena, expressing their views through social media and on the field. The heated American presidential campaign has motivated some athletes to vocally support either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. Here’s a look at prominent American athletes and team owners who have openly shared their political preferences or hinted at them.
LeBron James: A Strong Advocate for Kamala Harris
The NBA superstar LeBron James is a passionate supporter of Kamala Harris and an outspoken critic of Donald Trump. Recently, the Los Angeles Lakers star faced backlash for sharing a video clip that included quotes from the former president, all while endorsing the Democratic candidate.
In response to the criticism, James clarified his intentions, emphasizing that he wanted the message to be “seen, heard, and heard loudly.”
“I have a daughter, a wife, and a mother,” he stated to reporters. “What [Harris] stands for regarding women’s rights is what I envision for my children, and that’s the direction I believe our country should take. My support for her is steadfast. You know me: it was inevitable that I would not lean the other way.”
Nick Bosa: A Bold Statement for Donald Trump
During a live television interview after a Sunday night game, Nick Bosa, the defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers, made headlines by wearing a cap emblazoned with “MAGA,” referencing Donald Trump’s campaign slogan.
This action contravenes NFL regulations concerning political messaging, though the league has yet to impose any penalties on Bosa. Reports suggest that any disciplinary action might come next week, but a suspension is unlikely.
Dana White: Longtime Ally of Trump
The president of the UFC, Dana White, has been a consistent supporter of Donald Trump, even introducing him at the Republican convention last summer. Their relationship spans over 25 years, during which Trump has significantly contributed to the growth of mixed martial arts.
White remarked, “I will never say a word against Donald Trump because he was there when no one supported us,” highlighting the former president’s role in boosting the legitimacy of the UFC during its formative years.
John Daly: Championing Trump
Controversial golfer John Daly, a longtime friend of Trump, expressed his unwavering support for the former president. In a recent interview, he shared his belief that “everyone [at the PGA] wanted daddy Trump back” in the political arena.
Daly fervently stated, “He must win. I pray to God that he wins, just for the satisfaction that common sense is back.”
Coco Gauff: Inspired by Kamala Harris
Emerging tennis star Coco Gauff has chosen not to disclose her voting preference but recently shared her admiration for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. Gauff finds it “very inspiring” to witness a woman of color running for the highest office in the country.
“It’s incredible to see how far this country has come regarding people of color and Black individuals,” the 20-year-old US Open champion remarked. “The hard work of many has paved the way for this moment, and I’m fortunate to witness it in my lifetime, knowing that many others didn’t have that opportunity.”