Charles Barkley is unafraid of issuing his opinion on controversial topics, regardless of any backlash he might face.

Charles Barkley Will Stay With TNT Sports In Retirement Plan Reversal

Barkley’s main job has always been to analyze basketball, but he’s not afraid to discuss political and social issues.

Recently, there were reports of the Philadelphia Eagles skipping their White House visit because of President Donald Trump. The team denied the rumors, and Trump said last week a formal invitation would be coming soon.

On a recent edition of The Steam Room with his Inside the NBA colleague Ernie Johnson, Barkley bashed anyone who elects to decline a trip to the White House over who the president is.

“I don’t care who the president is,” Barkley said, via Awful Announcing. “He’s the President of the United States. It’s bothered me, the last 10 years, they’re like, ‘Well, I’m not going because this certain person is president.’ Dude, it’s the President of the United States.

“Even though I disagree with President Trump on some things, if I met him, I would still give him the respect and dignity he deserves. We can disagree, but it bothers me when these teams don’t want to go to the White House. I’m just disappointed…we got so divided.

Where did we get to as a country when we’re like, ‘We’re not going to the White House, we don’t like who’s in there.’ That’s just stupid.”

Charles Barkley in Auburn.

AUBURN, ALABAMA – FEBRUARY 4: Former NBA player and Auburn alum Charles Barkley enters Neville Arena through the loading dock prior to a game between Oklahoma Sooners and Auburn Tigers on February 4, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Stew Milne/Getty Images)

Stew Milne/Getty Images

Barkley has criticized Trump in the past, and admitted back in November that he voted for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

However, Barkley has also criticized the Democratic party, and is pretty consistent about his belief that teams should visit the White House under any circumstances.

Last year, Barkley ripped the 2022-23 NBA champion Denver Nuggets for canceling their White House trip under President Joe Biden due to a scheduling conflict.

“Are they flying Southwest or something? Come on, man. I actually have a problem with this whole thing that’s happened in sports the last few years, not just now,” Barkley said.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to go to the White House. It shouldn’t matter who’s in the White House. It’s an honor and a privilege to go to the White House. You should always go. But these guys act like they’re flying Southwest.”