In a move that has stirred considerable debate within the sports world, a renowned NBA legend has announced he will no longer stay at any hotels owned by Donald Trump. This decision comes in the wake of a highly contentious executive order signed by the 47th US president, an order that has sparked controversy and drawn strong reactions from various sectors of society.
A Controversial Executive Order and Its Fallout
In early 2017, less than two weeks into his presidency, Donald Trump signed an executive order that suspended the entry of refugees and visa holders from seven predominantly Muslim countries for a period of 90 days. The administration stated that the order was a necessary measure to protect the nation from potential terrorist threats. However, critics argued that the move was discriminatory and fueled anti-Muslim sentiment, igniting a national debate over immigration policy and national security.
The fallout from this decision was swift and far-reaching, impacting not only government policy but also influencing public opinion in unexpected arenas. Among those who took a public stance was a prominent NBA figure—whose refusal to patronize Trump’s hospitality empire has become a significant symbol of dissent in the world of sports.
The NBA and Trump: A Strained Relationship
The relationship between the NBA and the Trump administration has been fraught with tension. In 2020, following protests against police violence in Wisconsin after the tragic murders of George Floyd and Alvin Cole, the US President publicly criticized the NBA, describing the league as resembling a “police organization” due to the boycotts by several players. This criticism further deepened the already existing divide between the league and the president, creating an environment in which many sports figures expressed their disapproval of Trump’s policies and actions.
This growing discord has manifested itself in various ways, including the recent decision by an NBA legend to boycott Trump-owned hotels. The decision is seen as both a personal and political statement, signaling that the era of silent acceptance is over and that influential sports figures are willing to take a stand against policies they deem unjust.
A Stand for Principles: The NBA Legend Speaks Out
In 2017, Magic Johnson—a five-time NBA champion and one of the most respected figures in the basketball community—made headlines by declaring his refusal to stay at any hotels owned by Donald Trump. Johnson’s decision was not a sudden outburst but rather the culmination of a gradual disillusionment with the president’s policies. Johnson had previously been a regular guest at Trump’s hotels; however, following the executive order that suspended refugee and visa entries from predominantly Muslim countries, he decided that it was no longer acceptable to support Trump’s business empire.
Speaking to TMZ outside a hotel in January 2017, Johnson expressed his deep concern over the implications of Trump’s policies. “It’s wrong to discriminate against people,” he stated emphatically. Johnson highlighted the contributions of Muslim Americans, describing them as “great Americans” who work diligently and deserve respect and inclusion. He further criticized the notion of dictatorial leadership, remarking, “He’s got to learn that you can’t just be a dictator. We’ve never had a president like that.” Johnson’s comments were a direct response to the executive order, reflecting his personal values and his commitment to civil rights and equality.
This public pronouncement marked a turning point. Johnson’s refusal to stay at Trump-owned hotels became a powerful symbol for many, resonating with those who felt that the president’s policies were not in line with American values of fairness and inclusivity. His stance was bolstered by his personal political choices; Johnson had voted for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election and later endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election cycle, further distancing himself from Trump’s administration.
Trump’s Business Ventures and Public Persona
Donald Trump’s business ventures, particularly his hotel and golf course empire, have long been a source of both admiration and controversy. Known for his love of golf, Trump owns 16 courses across the globe and is frequently seen playing alongside celebrities and sports stars. However, the allure of luxury and success has often been overshadowed by allegations of unethical behavior and instances of alleged cheating. In one widely publicized incident, Hollywood star Samuel L. Jackson reportedly received a significant bill after accusations of misconduct surfaced, casting a shadow over Trump’s business practices.
While many have continued to patronize Trump’s establishments, the decision by high-profile figures like Magic Johnson to withdraw their support sends a clear message. It underscores that business decisions are not made in isolation from personal ethics and that prominent personalities in the sports world are willing to forgo comfort and luxury to stand by their principles.
The Broader Impact on the Sports World
The decision by an NBA legend to shun Trump-owned hotels has reverberated far beyond the realm of hospitality and politics. It has contributed to an ongoing conversation about the role of athletes as public figures and the responsibilities that come with their influential platforms. For many fans and fellow players alike, the stance taken by this sports icon is not just about personal comfort or inconvenience—it is a statement about integrity, values, and the importance of aligning business support with personal and political beliefs.
This episode is part of a larger trend in the sports community, where players and coaches have increasingly used their platforms to advocate for social justice and to speak out against policies they view as discriminatory or harmful. Whether through public protests, social media campaigns, or boycotts, the collective voice of the sports world is emerging as a formidable force for change, challenging longstanding power structures and demanding accountability from those in positions of authority.
Reactions and Public Sentiment
The reaction to the NBA legend’s decision has been mixed but largely supportive among those who oppose the executive order. Supporters have praised the move as a bold stand for equality and fairness, commending the athlete for aligning his actions with his beliefs. Critics, on the other hand, have argued that such boycotts are merely symbolic and have little practical impact on policy or business practices. Nevertheless, the decision has undeniably sparked a broader discussion about the intersections of sports, politics, and business, and has forced many to reconsider the extent to which personal values should influence consumer behavior.
In a society where political polarization often spills over into every facet of life, the sports world remains one of the few arenas where a collective stand can resonate powerfully. The decision by Magic Johnson—and similar stances by other influential figures—serves as a reminder that athletes are not merely entertainers; they are also citizens with voices that can drive social change. By choosing where to spend their money and whom to support, these icons are participating in a form of activism that extends far beyond the confines of the playing field.
The Legacy of a Principled Stand
The ramifications of this decision are likely to be felt for years to come. As more public figures weigh the impact of their business associations against their personal and political beliefs, we may see a gradual shift in the landscape of luxury hospitality and beyond. Trump’s hotels, once a symbol of opulence and high-profile patronage, could face long-term challenges if more influential personalities choose to dissociate themselves in protest of policies they deem unjust.
For Magic Johnson, this decision is part of a broader legacy of activism and social responsibility. Throughout his illustrious career, Johnson has been a vocal advocate for civil rights and community empowerment. His stance against discrimination—whether in business practices or government policy—reinforces his commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the court. His actions serve as an enduring reminder that success is not measured solely by wins and championships, but also by the courage to stand up for what is right.
Reflecting on the Intersection of Sports and Politics
The controversy surrounding Trump’s executive order and its subsequent impact on his business ventures offers a striking example of how deeply intertwined sports, politics, and business have become. In the modern era, the actions of a president or a business magnate can have immediate and profound effects on a wide range of industries, including professional sports. As athletes increasingly engage with political issues, their choices—whether to endorse a policy, boycott a product, or publicly criticize a public figure—carry significant weight and can influence public discourse in unexpected ways.
This intersection of sports and politics has been the subject of much scholarly research and public debate. Studies have shown that when high-profile athletes speak out on political matters, they not only raise awareness but also inspire broader societal discussions about fairness, justice, and accountability. The NBA, in particular, has a storied history of social activism, and the current environment has only amplified the league’s role as a platform for advocating change.
In this context, the decision by an NBA legend to refuse patronage of Trump’s hotels can be seen as part of a larger movement towards accountability and ethical consumerism. It is a powerful reminder that every choice—no matter how seemingly small—can contribute to a larger narrative of resistance and hope.
Conclusion: A Call to Reflect on Values and Legacy
The choice to shun hotels owned by Donald Trump following a highly controversial executive order is more than a personal decision; it is a statement about values, ethics, and the power of collective action. For those in the sports community and beyond, this decision underscores the idea that our consumer choices can serve as a form of political expression—a way to hold leaders accountable and to demand a society that upholds the principles of equality and justice.
As we reflect on this episode, it is worth considering how the actions of influential figures can inspire us to examine our own beliefs and values. In a world where political and social divides often seem insurmountable, the courage to stand up for what is right—whether on the basketball court or in the boardroom—serves as a beacon of hope for a more just and compassionate future.
The legacy of this principled stand is still unfolding. As more voices join the chorus calling for fairness and accountability, we may well see a gradual transformation in the ways that business, politics, and sports intersect. The choice made by this NBA legend is a powerful reminder that when individuals act in accordance with their values, they can create ripples of change that extend far beyond their immediate circles.
In the end, this decision is about more than a hotel or an executive order—it is about the kind of society we wish to build and the legacy we hope to leave for future generations. It challenges all of us to consider where we stand on the issues that matter most and to use our voices and our choices to shape a better world.
Ryan Smart is a seasoned sports journalist known for his in-depth analysis of the intersection of sports, politics, and culture. With years of experience covering major events and controversies, Smart brings a unique perspective to the stories that shape our world.
Adrian Hawthorne is a celebrated author and dedicated archivist who finds inspiration in the hidden stories of the past. Educated at Oxford, he now works at the National Archives, where preserving history fuels his evocative writing. Balancing archival precision with creative storytelling, Adrian founded the Hawthorne Institute of Literary Arts to mentor emerging writers and honor the timeless art of narrative.